Mark Kroll

Mark F. Kroll, husband of Karen L. Kroll and a Brenham Texas native, passed away peacefully in his home in the early morning of June 3rd, 2014 with love and support from his family near and far. Born on September 16, 1962 to Fern and Fred Kroll, Mark later attended Grace Lutheran Church School, was a member of Future Farmers of America, Boy Scouts of America and was a graduate of Brenham High School. He was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Grace Lutheran Church. He went on to attend Texas State Technical Institute in Waco and received technical and mechanical certifications from Blinn College. One of Mark''s proudest achievements was being a Marine. He served in the United States Marine Corps and the US Army National Guard which took him across the world, including Denmark, Germany and Japan. Once a Marine, always a Marine, which meant he was a proud supporter of our military through his involvement in the Veterans of Foreign War VFW. He continued to serve his country through a position with the US State Department, positioned in the US Embassy in Moscow Russia. Mark''s biggest passion, next to loving little dogs, including Charlie, was weaponry and his guns. He was a Lifetime Endowment Member of the National Rifle Association and an avid gun collector. He loved cooking, crafts, sitting outdoors, camping in the wild, hunting and anything that allowed him quiet solitude. On February 14th, 1998 he married Karen Carraway Koch in a Valentine''s Day ceremony in Brenham. Their love grew over the years as did his relationship with the children, and eventually grandchildren, he gained through his marriage. Mark is survived by his wife, Karen; his children by marriage: daughter, Jennifer Dickson and husband Dave Dickson of Colorado; son Dennis Koch and partner Hilary Naumann and his grandson Kameron Koch of Brenham; and son Ronald Koch and partner Abby Doggett and his grandchildren, Steven Doggett, Kaitlyn Koch and Kyle Koch of Somerville. He is also survived by his sisters and their spouses, Kathy and Morris Faske; Karen and Richard Andresky; and Kristine and David Ottmer. Nieces, Shannon Faske Robertson and husband Steven; Melissa Faske Seilheimer and husband Bart; and Deanna Ottmer; great niece Karli Seilheimer and great nephew Lane Robertson; and many, many special friends in Brenham and around the country. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Fern Kroll. A memorial service, officiated by Jill Vivroux has been scheduled for 4 pm on Sunday, June 8th, 2014 at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham followed by a graveside service at Prairie Lea Cemetery. Pallbearers for his service will include Lane Robertson, Richard Andresky, Dave Dickson and Morris Faske. Memorials may be given to the VFW of Brenham or Brazos Valley Hospice. Funeral arrangements for Mark F. Kroll are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.