Richard H. Krombach

Richard Harold Krombach, of Roscoe, celebrated 85 years of life. Born June 17th of 1932, he passed on Thursday, November 9th of 2017. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Richard served in the military in the National Guard and later served in the Army during the Korean War.

Richard began his career working 8 years with Bell Aerospace in New York before joining PESCO at Perry Lab Cryogenics in Ohio. In 1978, Richard joined Sundstrand Test Equipment in Illinois. Richard worked as an Aerospace Engineer with Sundstrand for 32 years before retiring in 1992 to pursue consultation work for an additional six years.

The curiosity of how things worked that Richard had as a young boy and served him so well as an engineer never left him and he could often be found tinkering with things if only to figure out how they worked. His meticulous and organized nature was evenly balanced with a quick wit, contagious smile, and the sparkle in his eye of the boy that still lived within even in his later years. A fan of German Marching music was often playing in the background which was a cue to the pride Richard had of his German heritage. A faithful friend to those that knew him and a warm welcoming demeanor to those that did not, coupled with a genuine desire to serve and assist helped make Richard one of the rarest of individuals and endeared him to those whose path he crossed. Richard had a strong faith and was a member of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL. He was active in his church as a Sunday school teacher, youth director, building trustee and elder. He was an outdoors enthusiast and enjoyed experiencing nature's beauties. However, his greatest pride was spending time with his loving family. Richard loved the presence of his children and grandchildren and his gaze was one of simply spectacular pride and love whose origin in the soul could not be mistaken. Gentle and kind, with a sympathetic and compassionate ear coupled with a quick joke and a bottom of the belly laugh that was contagious, endeared him to his grandchildren and all who met him. His greatest display of love however was for that of his life’s mate Patti. Playful banter, confessions of adoration, and compliments as if the they were still dating was the order of the day when they were together. And they were always together! A relationship role model of a sustained love, always intact through life’s bumps and bruises and its ups and downs that left no question that Patti was Richard's queen.

Richard is survived by his loving wife Patricia, celebrating their anniversary of 46 years on November 13, 2017. Children are; Richard (Emily) Krombach of Putney, Ohio, Kathy (Bob) Hayes of Jacksonville, Florida, Cynthia (Peter) Gehant of Loves Park, Illinois, Albert (Cecelia) Krombach of Dallas, Texas, Anthony (Julia) Krombach of Antioch, Illinois, and Karen (Keith) Sofolo of Roscoe, Illinois. Grandchildren; Kira, Brenton, Kali, Cullen, Aaron, Erika, Andy, Scott, John, Tara, Kyle, Sean, Michelle, Cealy, Alvon, Savana, Lucas and Lexi and 15 great grandchildren. Also survived by brother Phillip (Marilyn) Krombach of Haines City, Florida. Predeceased by parents, brother and sister.

Services will be held at St. Andrew Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL on Tuesday, November 14th. Visitation will be at 11:00AM with the funeral service at noon. A luncheon will be served following services at the church. Burial will be at Scottish Argyle Cemetery at 3:00PM. Family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted by the family for a memorial to be determined.

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