Frank Edward Kroetch

Frank Kroetch's Biography

Family, friend, or fan this Collaborative Biography is for you to show & tell Frank's life so that he is always remembered.

About Frank

Introduction

Frank Kroetch was one of four siblings and was born to Dorothy Elaine (Ferguson) Kroetch and Hollis "Joe" Joseph Kroetch. As far as I know (grandson), Frank and his brother & two sisters had a bit of a rough childhood, having been separated into different groups living with various family members.

He was one of the youngest to serve on the USS Killen for the U.S Navy in World War II. In fact, he lived his entire life thinking he was the youngest crew mate on the ship (he lied about his age to serve in WW2), but found out in the late 1990's at a Killen shipmates reunion in San Francisco that one lad had him beat by a handful of days. He married Marian "Joyce" Benning and had two children Kathy Pinna and Pamela Marks. He later married Carol (Antonsen) Kroetch and they raised John Kroetch.

He was a very smart man (with an IQ that tested between 165 and 185) and good looking - charismatic! He was a life-long entrepreneur starting numerous businesses in various industries after attending the University of Washington and graduating from San Jose State University. He lived in both California (where his daughters were born) and Washington (where he was born and died).

Frank was never baptized (as far as his child Kathy knows) and has no burial site. He was cremated and his ashes distributed between his wife and two daughters.

He was quite a human being and we all miss him every day.

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Male

Frank Edward Kroetch

Most commonly known as

Frank Edward Kroetch

Full legal name

Frank Kroetsch, Frankie

Other names or aliases

Name & aliases

Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington United States

Last place lived

Last residence

March 25, 1927

Birthday

Hoquiam, Grays Harbor County, Washington United States

Birth location

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Birth details

Ethnicity & Family History

Frank was primarily a mixture of French, German and Scottish heritage. For most of his life, Frank believed that he was predominately German, but he sat down one day - in the 1990s - and looked at the genealogy on his father's "Kroetch" side. He noticed that his paternal side included Germans that emigrated from Germany in the early 1840s and that once they settled in Canada, they began marrying women of French descent. These women were the descendants of the "daughters of the King" - the women who were sent by the King of France to marry French soldiers who had settled in Canada. Modern genealogists consider these women the equivalent to our Mayflower ancestors. So Frank discovered that the "Kroetch" line married into a French line that colonized Canada in the 1640s. When he looked at this, he decided that there was more French in his line than German. In actuality, I - his daughter - have very little French or German in my DNA. My DNA mainly reflects the UK part of my heritage. I think this comes from the fact (in terms of the traceable family tree), my father's mother and his father's mother were Scottish. While my father's maternal side emigrated from Scotland in the 1740s, they were in Virginia and mainly married other Scottish and Welsh descendants. His father's mother, while born in Kansas, had parents who were both born and raised in Scotland.

Nationality & Locations

Frank was born and raised in Washington state in theUnited States. He lived primarily in various locations near Pugent Sound in Washington state, although he did live in San Jose, Carmel, and San Diego California and Delta Canada, as well, for a couple of years.

Education

Frank had a college degree - he attended the University of Washington for two years and graduated from San Jose State College. He was very interested in the law and had been accepted into law school at the University of San Francisco, but we moved to Seattle Washington before he could attend. Frank never graduated from high school - he signed up for World War II (Navy) and he had a couple of years to complete high school. He told me that when he got out of the Navy, he felt that he was too old to return to high school, so he took a test to "place out" and just began college at the University of Washington.

Religion

Frank was not baptized

Baptism date & location

My father described himself as an "agnostic" (he told me that he would have said atheist but if he didn't have proof one way or another, and he wouldn't take a definitive stand). He only set foot in a church for weddings or when his daughters sang in the choir. He also attended the funeral of his "Big Aunt Norma."

Professions

Frank was an entrepreneur and businessman. He had a good start early on in his career working for General Mills. Note from Kathy Pinna - When my father graduated from San Jose State, he was sent a few telegrams offering him a job. I don't have the telegrams but I've seen them. I think my sister may have them. In any case, I was told that he was weighing an offer from San Jose State to be a professor (in the philosophy dept?) and also from General Mills. He went to work for General Mills in their corporate office in San Francisco. My mother, sister, and I used to take him to the train in Sunnyvale every day - we lived in Cupertino at the time and it was the fastest and easiest way for him to commute. As I recall, he worked there for a few years and I was told that he was the fastest rising executive at the time. He rose to the grain manager for the West Coast in that short time and he was told that no one had ever been promoted so quickly. They said that he would be president of General Mills within 20 years. Well, Dad thought that 20 years was too far away so he quit! My memory of those days were the perks - we were sent "food baskets", in those days food boxes of General Mills products and we were able to purchase General Mills products through a employee catalogue. I saved up my allowance - I was about 8 and it was 10 cents a week - to buy a Tiny Tears doll. I loved it when he worked at General Mills. He had a very sharp mind and knew how to see possibilities and opportunities in front of him. As a result, he was involved in numerous industries and owned many businesses over the years. He owned a few restaurants in Washington State and had business dealings in California. Frank was also an author - having written a few short stories, one of which was a science fiction take on The Night Before Christmas. (Note from Kathy: Dad always wanted to be a writer. He would write on yellow legal pads - remember, this was the 1950s and 1960s - and started books on such things as his theory about who the "real" Shakespeare was. My theory is that he just couldn't sit still long enough to write an entire book. But there were lots of starts on books. He also wanted to be a lawyer and even applied to - and was accepted by - San Francisco University Law School. We ended up moving to Seattle, however, and he never went to law school.)

Personal Life

Ever the student, Frank was always thirsty for knowledge. He would look at anything - physical or situational - and figure out how it works, and what could be done better. He saw a future of where things were headed having been involved with the first concepts of credit cards, to using steel instead of wood for home building. He lied about his age to join the Navy in World War 2 (See Frank Edward Kroetch: Military Service for more details.) and lost hearing in one ear because he was a "spotter" for the guns on the USS Killen. (Another note from Kathy: I remember he was a spotter on the big guns - the Killen was a destroyer - because of a story he told. The US had just developed a plane that looked a LOT like the Japanese planes. So when he saw the new US plane above them, he told them to move the gun to hit the plane. He narrowly realized that it was our plane and had them move the gun just in time. He was almost responsible for shooting down one of our own - and he was embarrassed by that.) A few years after the war he married Marian Joyce (Benning) Kroetch (from 1949 through July 1968) and they had and raised two daughters Kathleen Rae (Kroetch) Pinna and Pam (Kroetch) Marks in San Jose (Willow Glen), Cupertino California (where he was a councilman), Seattle, Washington (the University District) and Saratoga CA. In 1965, Frank met Carol (Antonsen) Kroetch who had a 5 year old child, John Hugh Kroetch. He and Carol married in December of 1968 and they were married until his death in 2001. He had two families for some time - one living in Saratoga CA and the other in Carmel, CA (although the only legal family until 1968 was the Saratoga family) He lived in Washington state for the last three decades of his life and travelled to California frequently to be with his daughters and grandchildren and to pursue business deals. He was the patriarch of his family and passed away suddenly sitting in his chair. (Note from Kathy: I was never told the actual events by Carol. What I 'heard" secondhand: Dad had driven from Bellingham (in the northern end of Washington state) to Olympia (the southern end of Washington state) that day. He had been feeling ill for some time. When he got home, he had eaten dinner and after dinner, he sat in "his" chair. He then asked Carol for a cookie. She went to the kitchen and returned with the cookie - and Dad had already suffered a cardiac event. Carol called emergency services but they were unable to revive him. Several hours later, I received a telephone call from a man who identified himself as the fire captain for Bellingham. He told me that Dad had died but declined to give me any details. I never heard more than that - and it was 3rd hand - from any family who was there or there just after the fact.

Military Service

Frank was a proud veteran of World War II, having served as a plankholder on the USS Killen, a destroyer that patrolled the Pacific Ocean. Throughout his life, he shared several tales of his experiences during the war. Frank believed that he was the youngest member of the ship, having lied about his age to enlist in the Navy. However, during a reunion in San Francisco in the early 2000s, he discovered that there was another sailor who was just a few days younger than him. Frank also recounted out a haunting memory of the time when a bomb went off near the kitchen on the ship, tragically killing a sailor in the meat locker. As a result of this tragic event, the crew was forced to subsist on a diet devoid of any protein for a prolonged period. Kathy, his daughter who noted these memories, added that she was told by others that multiple sailors had lost their lives in the meat locker and that the crew mainly lived off rice until they could reach drydock for the ship to be repaired. This traumatic event had a lasting impact on Frank, as he avoided eating rice for several years after the war. However, after discovering Chinese food, Frank became a huge fan of rice.

July 12, 2001

Death date

Heart Failure

Cause of death

Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington United States

Death location

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dd/mm/yyyy

Funeral date

Ashes scattered in Sacred Wind, Kentucky

Burial location

Gravesite & burial

Obituary

The following appeared in the Bellingham Herald in Washington State on August 19, 2001: Frank Edward Kroetch, age 74, of Bellingham, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 12, 2001. Born March 25, 1927 to Hollis Kroetch and Dorothy Ferguson in Aberdeen, Frank was raised in Whatcom County. His grandparents, George Ferguson and Nancy Boggs, settled in Goshen around 1904, after moving from Sacred Wind, Kentucky, making Frank a third generation Whatcom County resident. Frank joined the Navy in 1943, serving as a Fireman 1st Class, aboard the USS Killen, USS Grant, and USS Fletcher, in the Pacific Campaign. He was decorated multiple times for his outstanding service. After the war, he attended the University of Washington in Seattle, later transferring to San Jose State University in California. He received dual degrees in Philosophy and Psychology, with a minor in Business Administration. Frank started his career as an executive with the General Mills Corp. in San Francisco. Possessing a high entrepreneurial spirit, he later pursued a number of other business ventures. He was a very creative and compassionate individual with great foresight. He was an avid reader, reading over 900 words per minute, and was once featured on a television program in California for his incredible speed reading ability. Also a history buff, he spoke fluent German, and treasured his family history and genealogy. Frank also took great pleasure in trading Navy war stories with his old shipmates on the USS Killen. Frank is survived by Carol, his loving wife of 33 years, his two daughters, Kathy Pinna, and Pam Marks, son-in-law Neil Marks, all of San Jose, Ca; a son John Kroetch and daughter-in-law Laura, of West Seattle; his grandchildren Daniel Pinna, Laynie Jacobs and Sophia Kroetch; sisters Elaine Gillette of Lake Stevens and Norma Finochiaro of La Jolla, Ca; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will be holding a private memorial service. Memorials may be made in his name to: World War II Memorial, American Battle Monuments Commission, PO Box 96766, Washington DC 200906766. --- Written by Grandson below--- Frank Edward Kroetch left this world as an accomplished entrepreneur having started numerous businesses (from restaurants to steel framed housing), a proven intellectual with the ability to interact with anyone about any subject, an author of various short novels (one of which I adore is a Star Trek themed "Night Before Christmas"), and a well admired, respected and a well-loved man. Frank was a brother to four siblings, a husband to two wives, and a father to three children: 2 by blood and 1 by parenting, and grandfather to three: 1 child from each of his two daughters, and 1 child from his son. He lived the majority of his life in Washington State with some years in San Jose, San Diego, & Carmel Valley California - as well as a couple of years in Delta, British Columbia, Canada. During the middle of his life he spent time in his home in Washington near the Sound then flew (with the help of a pilot!) to his home in Carmel Valley. I wish I had the opportunity to know him as a man and not simply as my grandfather. As I've matured and continue to find my path through life, I would have very much enjoyed discussions with him about all the very fun nuances of life. You remain well loved grandpa. - djp 11/28/2019

Average Age & Life Expectancy

Frank Edward Kroetch lived 2 years longer than the average Kroetch family member when he died at the age of 74.

The average age of a Kroetch family member is 72.

Memories: Stories & Photos

Who is Frank Kroetch to you? Share memories and family stories, photos, or ask questions.
Through sharing we discover more together.

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Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

04/04/2009

Frank Kroetch Family

A photo of Frank Kroetch, his wife Joyce Benning Kroetch, daughters Pamela (with glasses in front) and Kathleen.

Date & Place: January 1, 1958 in Cupertino, California USA

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AncientFaces 350k+ followers 399 favorites

12/28/2016

What are holidays and celebrations without family? Happy Birthday to AncientFaces.com cofounder Kathy Pinna (shown here in back), with her mother, father and sister (also an AncientFaces cofounder) taken in 1958 San Jose, California.

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June Slater Cunningham

via Facebook

12/28/2016

great photo

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Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

12/14/2011

Frank Kroetch & Kathy Kroetch, 1963

Frank Kroetch and his daughter Kathy, at Nellie Steeples Abbott's home on Christmas day, 1963. Nellie was Frank's grandmother.

Date & Place: December 1963 at Nell Steeples Abbott home in Seattle, King County, Washington USA

Comments

Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

11/09/2020

Suppose so. It was the early 60s, not great fashion. Too young to get contacts. And yet, it's a pic of me with my Dad who passed almost 20 years ago now. I treasure it. Sorry you find it strange.

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Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

11/16/2020

So, full disclosure, I am 70. The photo of me now (the thumbnail) is about 4 -5 yrs old now but I look much the same - altho I may have added 10 lbs :(

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Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

01/27/2021

San Francisco USS Killen Reunion

I remember back in 1999 going with my mother Kathleen Rae (Kroetch) Pinna and grandfather Frank Edward Kroetch to his World War II ship reunion. I was just wrapping up high school at the time and found the trip to be particularly fascinating.

When they got together, all of the guys immediately remembered so many memories that they hadn't recalled in decades. The stories that came out of them were truly amazing. Their memories were all unique and contained details about these shared experiences. The storytelling experience was truly jaw dropping. I felt like I got a glimpse into what it was like for them.

There's a photo of the reunion here USS Killen Reunion

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Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

05/03/2004

Frank Kroetch and Daniel Pinna

Frank Kroetch with Daniel Pinna, grandson, at his home in Edmonds Washington. Dad kept dressing him in a Seahawks shirt, I kept changing it to the Raiders - or, on occasion, a 49'ers. Neither of us won - he's not a football fan to this day! Daniel grew up in California.

Date & Place: January 1981 in Edmonds, Washington USA

Comments

Daniel Pinna 17 followers 598 favorites

03/29/2020

What a little guy I was...obviously not too interested in the camera at the moment. It's a great photo of grandpa.

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Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

03/30/2020

Yeah, you were just over a month old. This pic was taken because of the Seahawks jersey. Gpa kept putting you in one of those - I kept putting you in Raiders (this was before they betrayed us by going to LA) or 49ers. That look that Grandpa has on his face? He's thinking - take this, daughter. I'll make him a 'Hawks fan over your objections!

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Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

05/08/2011

Frank Kroetsch, Joyce Benning

Frank Kroetsch, wife Joyce (Benning-Kroetch, in middle) with a visiting friend. Willow Glen, San Jose, CA.

Date & Place: May 1953 at 1325 Bird Ave. in San Jose, California USA

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Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

05/09/2011

I think the friend may be Joyce Strand.

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Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

08/18/2017

It's 2017 and I'm literally a five minute drive away from where this photo was taken 64 years ago. I guess our family never really moved very far did we? :)

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Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

10/15/2020

Dad & DJ

My father, Frank Kroetsch, teaching grandson "D.J." how to read!

Date & Place: 1983

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Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

02/17/2023

The age of my son today in 2023. It looks as though I was learning to hold a pen. I'm still working on teaching that skill.

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Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

04/11/2007

Grandpa & "The Beans"

Grandfather Frank Kroetsch with his grandson, Daniel.

Date & Place: 1983 in San Jose, California USA

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AncientFaces 350k+ followers 399 favorites

03/25/2021

Happy Birthday Dad and Grandpa Frank Kroetch (March 25 1927 - July 12 2001). I can't believe it's been almost 20 years since we've talked. Daniel Pinna and Frank Kroetch in 1983.

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Gracia Lionardi 9 followers 212 favorites

12/15/2022

Michael looks like you in this photo!

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Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

12/18/2022

Kroetch Siblings

from left to right: Fred Kroetch, Elaine Gillett, Norma Finocchiaro, Frank Kroetch....Mukilteo, WA

Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.

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Lori Russell 100 followers 6.49k+ favorites

01/21/2023

Someone knew my grandfather Ferris Thompson.

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Mj Benning 4 followers 187 favorites

01/01/2001

Lou Vodila & friends at home

Lou Vodila with family friends enjoying his backyard pool in Los Altos Hills, CA.
People in photo include: Lou Vodila

Date & Place: July 1954 in Los Altos Hills, California USA

Comments

Susan Feely 1 follower 2 favorites

02/17/2009

Lou was my grandfather's brother, my great-uncle. The resemblance between them is very striking. Thank you for posting this picture.

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Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

06/14/2016

Susan - My mom posted this photo but that's me on the tube. We used to visit with Meeka and Lou often. He was such a nice man!

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Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

12/15/2022

Christmas

Celebrating Christmas with one of our favorite Aunt and Uncle...left to right: Wilbur 'Bill' Erickson, Frank Kroetsch and his sister (Bill's wife) Norma Kroetsch Erickson. Back row: Pam Kroetsch and Joyce Kroetsch (Frank's daughter and wife).

Date & Place: December 1967 at Kroetch family home in Saratoga, California USA

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Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

12/15/2022

Memories of Uncle Bill, his last Christmas with us (he died a couple of weeks later at their home in Mission Beach, San Diego): he was a engineer but also a talented artist. He used to draw caricatures of dad as a beer can with a head and label them "Frankystein". Dad wasn't amused but we loved them. And he always played his ukele, the same song, "Wabash Cannonball". Aunt Norma wasn't amused, but Pam and I loved it! And his speciality - bananas on the grill in the skin with brown sugar - the fun uncle!

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Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

04/22/2006

Kroetch and Barrett Family, 1957

Photo taken Christmas day at the Frank Kroetch home in Cupertino, CA. From left to right: Chuck Barrett, niece Kathy Kroetch (with mouse ears), Anne Calkin Kroetch, Fred Kroetch, Frank Kroetch with his sister Norma Kroetch Erickson on lap, Uncle Bill Erickson with neices and nephews in front: Pam Kroetch (with mouse ears) Brent Kroetch and Wendy Lee 'Brandi' Kroetch.

Date & Place: 1957 at Kroetch Home in Cupertino, California USA

Comments

AncientFaces 350k+ followers 399 favorites

12/25/2020

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! This is the AncientFaces family in Cupertino CA at Christmas in 1957. Two of the founders were little girls and the Founder and Creator was born decades later. Hope your day is full of love however you gather.

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Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

12/15/2022

This was a great time for us kids. Uncle Chuck lived with us, Uncle Fred, Aunt Ann, and their children lived nearby in Cupertino, and Aunt Norma and Uncle Bill lived in the adjacent city to us, in Santa Clara. Pam and I couldn't get up Christmas morning until sunrise so when it got light, we'd jump out of bed and get Mom and Dad and Uncle Chuck. Dad would call Aunt Norma and they would come right over. We would be excited and the adults would be bleary eyed. They would begin the day with screwdrivers (!orange juice & vodka) while we opened presents. Then around miday, Uncle Fred and family would come over and we'd eat and party all day 😁😁 Chrstmas was a dawn to after dusk affair and the more people, the merrier. Lots of family and a stream of neighbors dropping by. Uncle Bill came from a small family and he and Aunt Norma didn't have kids. I think he loved the chaos!

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Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

03/01/2006

Frank Kroetch & Daniel Pinna at the Missouri

A photo of Frank Kroetch and grandson Daniel Pinna. The Missouri is on the right, a destroyer on the left. My father (Frank Kroetch) carrying my son (Daniel Pinna) when he was about 2 1/2 yrs old. My Dad was on a destroyer in WW2 (the Killen) and I love the generational/history feeling of this photo.

The Missouri was in Bremerton Washington when this was taken - where my mother grew up and where the Killen was first commissioned. My father was a plankholder, being on the Killen from commissioning to decommissioning in San Diego.

Date & Place: January 1983

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AncientFaces 350k+ followers 399 favorites

05/29/2017

Memorial Day - a day for the generations to remember and honor sacrifice. World War II Navy vet and grandson.

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Leonor Balderrama

via Facebook

05/29/2017

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Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

05/09/2006

Gale Greenough & Frank Kroetsch, Bellingham, WA

Gale Greenough, son of Ralph Greenough and Thelma Ferguson, with his cousin "Frankie"...Frank Kroetsch lived with the Greenough family for several years when he was growing up, and considered his cousin Gale his 'brother'.

Date & Place: at Bellingham in Whatcom Co., Washington USA

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Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

12/14/2022

And Gale died so young and so suddenly - wasn’t he only about 32?I remember Dad being devastated.

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Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

04/04/2009

Frank Kroetch Thanksgiving 1981

We all decided to wear costumes for Thanksgiving (who knows why??) and Dad (Frank Kroetch) decided to be, I believe, a Duke! Maybe he was one of our patrician founding fathers?

Date & Place: November 25, 1981 in Edmonds, Washington USA

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Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

12/14/2022

Dad decided to have a ‘dress up’ Thanksgiving, in 1981, to cheer up her sister who was having a tough time with the holidays approaching…so all 30 relatives attending the Kroetch Thanksgiving dressed up as Pilgrims or Native Americans…tho there was a ear of corn, a Viking, and…dad was dressed as the King of England! Best Thanksgiving ever!

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Daniel Pinna 17 followers 598 favorites

03/25/2020

Happy Birthday Grandpa. You would have been 93 years old today. You just made it into the Greatest Generation by a year! The Silent Generation - the generation following the Greatest Generation and preceding the Baby Boomers - has a cut off either in 1927 or 1928. I think lying about your age to join WW2 solidifies you making it into the Greatest Generation. I can only imagine how coming of age during the Great Depression and then entering WW2 impacted your perception of the world.

Like mom said, I would love to hear your take on today's reality with online consuming so much of our daily routines, the politicians and now covid19. I forgot to mention we are growing horns because of screen time. ;) lol. I'm thankful you left so many of your business plans and writings. Miss you.

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Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

04/04/2009

Frank E. Kroetch

A photo of my father, Frank Edward Kroetch, around the time he graduated from San Jose State University (then College).

Date & Place: January 1954 in San Jose, California USA

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Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

12/04/2019

Grandpa's charisma really shines with this photo!

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Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

12/04/2019

Just shy of age 30?

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Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

01/01/2001

Fred, Elaine, Frank & Norma Kroetch

The 4 Kroetch brothers & sisters, children of Dorothy Ferguson & Hollis J. Kroetch.
Fred on left, Elaine in middle, Frank on right and little Norma in front.

Date & Place: 1932

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AncientFaces 350k+ followers 399 favorites

03/25/2022

Four Kroetch siblings - Elaine, Fred, Frank, and Norma - in 1932 Washington State - aren't they cute?

I might be a bit biased - Frank is my father and today would have been his 90th birthday. I'll always remember you dad

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Facebook Fan

via Facebook

03/25/2022

TODAY Frank's 90th? Says he was born in 1927???

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Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

03/25/2022

Happy Birthday, Dad! The only Spring baby among us, you stand out! :) See you soon

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Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

04/11/2007

Frank Kroetsch at the San Francisco Grain Exchange

Photo of Frank Kroetsch taken at the "San Francisco Grain Exchange" Christmas party, December 1957.

Date & Place: 1957 in San Francisco, California USA

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Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

01/01/2001

Hollis Kroetch Family, Aberdeen, WA

Hollis & Dorothy (Ferguson) Kroetch in Aberdeen,Washington. From left to right: Dorothy holding baby Norma, Fred, Frank, Elaine with father Hollis standing in back.

Date & Place: 1930

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Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

03/05/2006

Frank Kroetsch & Joyce Benning Kroetsch

My parents, Frank and Joyce Benning Kroetsch...Dad goofing off, as usual.

Date & Place: January 1950 in San Jose, California USA

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AncientFaces 350k+ followers 399 favorites

07/12/2021

The AncientFaces mission is to keep those we love alive through sharing our memories. Our own father & grandfather - a veteran of World War 2, an entrepreneur, and a family man - died 20 years ago today. Our community believes Frank, as does everyone, deserves to be remembered.

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Facebook Fan

via Facebook

07/12/2021

God bless

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Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

07/11/2021

Remembering Dad on the 20th anniversary of his passing

Since I was blessed to have my father in my life for a little over half a century, I have many memories of him as a father and grandfather. I will add some of these stories at another time but tonight, I want to focus on what he did for me and who he meant to me - and how he has helped me deal with loneliness as an elderly person. It's a odd but true fact that people who are only a part of our lives have lasting impressions on who we are and what we become.

When I was in my 30's and the single mother of a toddler, my Dad and I were talking one evening. He told me something that I'd never heard before: When I was born (I was his first-born), he looked and me and thought I can pick her up and walk off, just the two of us, and live by ourselves. We are family. He had tears in his eyes as he said this. (Perhaps the impact on him was strong because his own mother had died when he was 5, his father was gone finding work - it was the Depression - and his mother's family didn't "approve" of his father, so he was sent to live with his mother's relatives. He was passed around after that and never truly had a safe, stable family.)

Dad may have never told me that before, but he always made me feel special and welcome. It may sound odd to say it that way, but it's a true blessing when someone treats you as a welcome presence in his or her life. When they have a smile on their face, in their eyes, and in their voice when they see you or talk to you. When they want to have you around. When they include you in their daily lives. These are important things - especially when you are young. And I have lots of memories of doing things with my Dad. Of feeling that I was never interrupting and that I was a welcome presence in his life. This continued until the day he died - he loved me and showed it by his happiness when he was with me or talking to me. (As adults, we mostly lived in different states but we kept in touch through telephone conversations. How he would have loved Facetime or Zoom - especially after his grandson was born!)

As a child, I just knew that my Daddy loved me - and more importantly, that he liked me. But now? I am elderly and often spend weekends and holidays alone - those times that are not taken up by work and daily chores. But because of my father and his love and acceptance, I don't think or feel that I'm "unlovable." He gave me the self-confidence to see this as choices that others make, not a deficit in me. And for that, I say "Thank you Dad." You are a daily presence in my life even 2 decades after you have left this earth.

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Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

05/21/2021

Frank Kroetch

A photo of the Philosophy Club in 1950 at San Jose State University. 2nd row, 3rd person, is Frank Kroetch.

His wife, my mother, told me that he was offered a job as a professor in the philosphy department when he graduated. He took a job as and executive at General Mills in San Francisco instead.

Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.

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Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

04/11/2007

Ferguson Family Reunion

One of our July 3 family reunions. From left to right: Wayne Greenough, Frank Kroetsch, Mildred, Aili Tasanen Ferguson, Aunt Wea Ferguson Greenough, Lorrain Greenough Wiley.

Date & Place: 1964 in Bellingham, Washington USA

Comments

Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

10/26/2020

That's our Aunt Wea - Iva (Ferguson) Greenough.

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Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

11/25/2020

That's Aili Tasanen Ferguson, she married one of my great uncles (Fergusons out of Kentucky). I don't know anything about her family line. So sorry we're not matching up for you!

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Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

03/26/2021

Yesterday you would have been 94 years old. Happy Birthday Grandpa.

Comments

Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

01/28/2021

Navy Records

NAVY RECORDS:

Dept. of Veteran Affairs
Name: Frank Kroetch
Birth Date: 25 March 1927
Death Date: 12 Jul 2001
SSN: 577407257
Branch 1: N
Enlistment Date 1: 13 Sep 1943
Release Date 1: 24 Mar 1947

Per Navy Separation Papers:

Honorable Discharge Separation date, 2/19/1947. Fireman 1st class at time of discharge. Previously Apprentice Seaman, Seaman 2c, Seaman1c; served on the USS Killen, USS Grant, USS Fletcher & USNAS Norman, Oklahoma. Service # 386-82-64 S1 USn

Campaigns: San Pedro Bay- Surigao Straits-Borneo-Aleutians

Medals for service: American Area Campaign (American Theater)
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, 2 stars
Philippine Liberation
World War II Victory
Navy Occupation Service

Frank was 16 years old at time of entry into service, but his father, Hollis, lied on the induction papers making Frank 17 years old. Birth date on Navy papers is 3/25/26, but Frank's actual dob was 3/25/27. Frank was paid $65 per month for 3 years, 10 months and 7 days as part of his discharge "subsistence allowance".

Active service dates: 9/13/1943 to 2/19/47 total of 3 years, 6 months and 7 days
Home address at time of entry: Satsop, Washington. Per service papers received from the Selective Service 1/11/2007:
Frank was living at PO Box 954, Satsop, Grays Harbor, Washington at the time of entry into service. Records show his age as 17 years, 6 months (actual age was 16 years, 6 months) and Hollis Joseph Kroetch, of the same address, was shown as Frank's legal guardian (and father). At the time of entry, Frank was 5 feet, 11 inches; weight was 131 pounds, blue eyes, brown hair, ruddy completion with a 4 inch scar on his upper right thigh, a 1 inch scar left front (?) and index finger minus first joint. The enlisting officer was S.C. Hartigan, Ensign. Frank agreed to serve until March 24, 1947, and enlisted as an "Apprentice Seaman". Papers were signed by Hollis on September 4, 1943. Per personal records:

12/02/1943: BATTEN, Norman, OK NTS Farragut, Idaho..."this man is a drop from the AOM School".

02/15/1944: Transferred this date from NATTC, Norman, OK to R/S, New Orleans, LA for gen. det.

02/18/1944: reported NATTC, Norman, Oklahoma

03/08/1944: "Transferred to Receiving ship, San Francisco, Ca., for duty under instruction in the destroyer training program and assignment to new construction destroyers by COTCP PacSuBordComd, San Francisco...received about 03/12/1944"

04/30/1944: Frank transferred from the RS NS New Orleans, LA to Bremerton, Washington to report to duty on the USS Killen...received about 05/04/1944

06/19/1944: Urgent letter sent to San Diego by the Navy Department for "Report of Return of Straggler or Deserter"...states that Frank was to report back to duty at 6:00 am 6/18/1944 but did not return-surrendered himself at 8:59am to ship...Frank was charged $1.00..official notes state, "Surrendered on board this station at 0800,

08/05/1944: AWOL from 0740 on 08/03/1944 to 1840 on 08/04/1944. Captain's Mast: Loss of all liberties in this port (San Francisco).

8/18/44 in uniform stating he was AWOL from the USS Killen since 0600, 6/18/44. Transferred to the USS Killen for appropriate disposition and duty in acc with the BuPers C/L 172-43" Captain at the time was C.H. Morrison.

08/12/1944: Notice that Frank was AWOL from 0745 August 12, 1944 to 0525 August 14, 1944, a period of 1 day, 21 hours and 40 minutes. Tried by "Deck Court" on 08/15/1944; sentence: to be confined for a period of 10 days and to lose $10 per month of his pay for a period of 3 months; t.l.p. amtg. to $30. Approved by C.A. on 08/15/1944 that the limits of confinement are defined as the limits of the ship. Ordered by G.R. Muse, Lt. Comm.

After shakedown Killen cleared Port Angeles, Washington, 19 August 1944, escorted a convoy from Pearl Harbor and arrived at Manus, Admiralty Islands, 14 September.

09/07/1944: Per papers Frank "Qualified as a member of the realm of the Golden Dragon by crossing the 180th Meridian"

09/13/1944: "Duly initiated and qualified as a Shellback into the Ancient Order of the Deep by crossing the Equator on board the USS Killen (DD 593)

06/30/1945: rate: S2c; proficiency in rating 3.0 seamanship 3.3 conduct 2.5
09/01/1945: S1c; 3.0 3.3 4.0
12/31/1945: S1c; 3.3 3.3 4.0

03/28/1946: Pay Adjustment for Absence or Sentence of Court, or Both: Deck Court approved on this date a total loss of pay from $44 to be checked $22 for 2 months (see above) Offense: AWOL 3 days, 20 hours and 30 minutes

06/30/1946: rate: S1c; proficiency in rating 3.5 seamanship 3.5 conduct 3.5

08/04/1946: Notice that Frank was AWOL from 12:45pm until 7:10pm, a period of "six hours, 25 minutes". Frank assigned to 30 hours 'extra duty'.

08/15/1946: Notice by Captian that Frank "failed to turn in liberty card" & was "shirking duty". Frank was confined to 5 days of bread and water by J.B. Anderson, Lt./Commanding Officer.

01/15/1947: Sub-Div #1, SDGR PacResFlt for duty USS Fletcher (DD44); papers indicated that he had received training in "Fire Fighting School"

02/14/1947: Receiving Station, San Diego, CA for separation from US Naval Service

03/24/1947: Received honorable discharge for 3 years of service in San Diego, CA

SS# received from District of Columbia.

Muster Date: 4 May 1944 enlistment date 9/13/1943
Name: Frank E Kroetch
Ship, Station or Activity: Fletcher
Ship Number or Designation: DD 445
Muster Date: 15 Jan 1947

US Department of Veteran Affairs:
Name: Frank Kroetch
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 25 May 1927
Death Date: 12 Jul 2001
SSN: 577407257
Branch 1: N
Enlistment Date 1: 13 Sep 1945
Release Date 1: 24 Mar 1947

WWII Navy Muster Rolls San Francisco
Name: Frank E Kroetch
Ship, Station or Activity: Killen
Ship Number or Designation: DD 593
Muster Date: 30 Jun 1944
seaman second class
Date of Enlistment: Sept. 13, 1943

WWII Navy Muster Rolls
Name: Frank E Kroetch
Ship, Station or Activity: Killen
Ship Number or Designation: DD 593
Muster Date: 1 Jul 1946

WWII Navy Muster Rolls
Name: Frank E Kroetch
Ship, Station or Activity: Albert W Grant
Ship Number or Designation: DD 649
Muster Date: 16 Jul 1946
Seaman 1st class
Received from USS Killen DD593

WWII Navy Muster Rolls
Name: Frank E Kroetch
Ship, Station or Activity: Fletcher
Ship Number or Designation: DD-445
Muster Date: 23 Dec 1946
Fireman 1st Class

WWII Navy Muster Rolls
Name: Frank E Kroetch
Ship, Station or Activity: Fletcher
Ship Number or Designation: DD 445
Muster Date: 15 Jan 1947

Comments

Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

04/03/2009

Kroetch Family Wedding Photo

Family photo taken at the wedding of Kathleen Kroetch to Leonard Pinna. L to R: Frank Kroetch (bride's father), Pam Kroetch (bride's sister), Kathy Kroetch, Joyce Benning Kroetch (bride's mother), and John Kroetch (bride's step-brother).

Date & Place: May 27, 1972 at Kroetch Home in San Jose, California USA

Comments

Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

02/23/2007

Frank Kroetsch & Grandson

Daniel & his crazy Grandfather, Frank Daniel was 4 weeks old

Date & Place: January 1981 in Edmonds, Washington USA

Comments

Daniel Pinna 17 followers 598 favorites

12/13/2019

Oh my...that's me!

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Frank Kroetch 15 favorites

01/01/2001

Killen Reunion with family

Sometimes we invite our favorite landlubbers!

Date & Place: September 1999 at Killen Reunion in San Francisco, California United States

Comments

Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

01/01/2001

Frank Edward Kroetsch

Frank's formal Navy photo, taken on enlistment. Served on the destroyer, USS Killen.

Date & Place: 1943

Comments

Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

04/11/2007

Kroetch and Cone Cousins

Photo taken in 1957 of Frank Kroetsch and Aleen Cone, first cousins. Spouses: Joyce Benning Kroetch and Clary Cone.
People in photo include: Clary Cone and Aleen Ferguson Cone

Date & Place: 1957 in San Jose, California USA

Comments

Mark Cone 3 favorites

12/28/2013

I am Mark C Cone born to Phillip Bernard Cone in 1971. I am looking for more information regarding the family tree!?

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Mark Cone 3 favorites

12/28/2013

Phillip B Cone was born in Kewanne Ill

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Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

05/08/2011

Connie D'Albert, Frank Kroetsch, Dewey D'Albert

Connie Tasker D'Albert, son-in-law Frank Kroetsch, and Connie's husband Dewey D'Albert; goofing off at Frank's Cupertino home.

Date & Place: December 1955 at Kroetch Family Home in Cupertino, California USA

Comments

Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

12/14/2011

Frank Kroetsch, Christmas 1951

Frank and his daughters, Pam and Kathy, Christmas 1951 in San Jose, CA.

Date & Place: December 1951 at Kroetsch Home in San Jose, Santa Clara County, California USA

Comments

AncientFaces 350k+ followers 399 favorites

12/28/2019

Happy Birthday to a founder of AncientFaces! Those of us who have been active members of the community at AncientFaces for years all know Kathy - Yes, it's the SAME Kathy from 19 years ago. She shined as a child and does so today through helping to keep our shared past alive. Co-founders Kathy Pinna (right) & Pam Kroetsch (left) with their father Frank Kroetch in December 1951 on Bird Ave in Willow Glen, California

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Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

12/12/2019

You two were SO adorable! Grace did an amazing job choosing this particular photo as a test page for our new photo page format just released on 12/12/2019 at 11:45pm

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Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

02/03/2002

Frank Kroetch, Seattle, WA

Seattle Transit System I.D. card issued to Frank Kroetch when he was attending Broadway High School in Seattle, Washington.

Date & Place: September 1941

Comments

Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

09/14/2006

Frank Kroetch & Elaine Gillette

My father, Frank Kroetch (also spelled Kroetsch) and his sister, Elaine Kroetch Bell Gillette. This photo was taken at the wedding of Elaine's granddaughter, Erica.

Date & Place: June 1, 1999 in Snohomish, Washington USA

Comments

Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

09/14/2006

Very fond memories of these two.

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Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

04/04/2009

Frank Kroetch & Norma Erickson

A photo of Frank E. Kroetch and his sister, Norma Kroetch Erickson, at our home in Saratoga, CA.

Date & Place: January 1, 1968 in Saratoga, California USA

Comments

Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

05/05/2001

Fred, Elaine, & Frank Kroetch & Norma Ferguson, Washington

Fred, Elaine, & Frank Kroetch with Norma Ferguson in Washington in 1927: Norma Ferguson with 3 of her sisters' (Dorothy Ferguson Kroetch) children: Fred, Elaine & Baby Frankie.Taken at their home in Hoquiam, Washington state.

Date & Place: 1927 in Hoquiam, Washington United States of America

Comments

Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

07/26/2001

Fred Kroetch, Elaine Gillet, Frank Kroetch & Norma Finocchiaro

Children of Hollis Kroetch & Dorothy Ferguson; descendants of the Boggs & Ferguson families of Lawrence Co.,KY & Wayne,WVA.
People in photo include: Juanita MaryJane "Norma" Finocchiaro

Date & Place: 1975

Comments

Norma Finocchiaro 1 follower 2 favorites

02/10/2003

Elaine Gillett's birthdate is 1924 and Norma Finocchiaro's birthdate is 1929

Favorite

Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

03/01/2006

Frank Kroetsch & Granddaughter, Layne Marks-Jacobs

Laynie and her Grandfather, Frank Kroetsch. Frank was showing her the 'Fletcher' class destroyer in the Bremerton shipyard, Washington state.

Date & Place: April 2001

Comments

Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

04/11/2007

Frank Edward Kroetsch, 1927-2001

Exasperated Frank (for having the photo taken) getting ready to leave for work...'U' District, Seattle, Washington around 1959

Date & Place: 1959 in Seattle, Washington USA

Comments

Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

06/16/2006

Norma Ferguson with Frank, Fred & Elaine Kroetsch

Freddie, Frankie and Elaine Kroetch with their aunt, Norma Ferguson, in Aberdeen, Washington. The kids were the children of Hollis Joseph Kroetch and Dorothy Elaine Ferguson. Norma was Dorothy's youngest sister.

Date & Place: 1927 at Kroetch family home in Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington USA

Comments

Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

02/03/2002

Frank Edward Kroetsch, WWII

Photo of Frank Kroetsch, WWII Pacific Campaign, taken in a photo booth during WWII....unknown date.

Date & Place: 1945

Comments

Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

02/05/2012

Frank Kroetsch; Sacred Wind, KY

Photo of Frank Kroetsch taken on property where the old Sacred Wind, Kentucky post office was located. Frank's grandparents, George Ferguson and Nancy Boggs owned a cabin in this area during the late 1800's to early 1900's.

Date & Place: September 1999 in Sacred Wind, Lawrence County, Kentucky USA

Comments

Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

03/25/2020

Happy Birthday, Dad!! You would have had a lot to say about our President and how people are reacting to what is happening in the world right now. I miss our talks!!

Comments

Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

04/04/2009

Frank, Kathy & Pam Kroetch in Fairyland, Oakland, CA

Photo of Frank Kroetch with his daughters, Kathy (left) and Pam (between Kathy and Frank) on a day outing to Fairyland in Oakland.

Date & Place: October 1953 in Oakland, California USA

Comments

Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

02/05/2012

Frank Kroetsch & Ferguson Cousins; Kentucky

A reunion of Ferguson cousins. Back row, left to right:
Frank Kroetsch, Elaine Kroetsch Gillett, Pam Kroetsch, Norma Kroetsch Finocchiaro.
Front row: Elmer Alexander and wife, Opal Wells; all descendants of William "Worth" Ferguson and Kate Smith.

Date & Place: September 1999 at Alexander Family Home in Cherokee, Lawrence County, Kentucky USA

Comments

Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

07/18/2018

Wow how time flies... I remember when you had this photo taken and that was nearly 20 years ago!

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Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

12/06/2019

So, remember the story of visiting cousins who lived two hollers over when they were all in Kentucky? The story that ant told on Thanksgiving? These were the cousins! :)

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Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

02/22/2013

Frank Edward Kroetch Family, California 1969

A photo of Frank Edward Kroetch with his daughters, Kathy (left) and Pam (right), after Pam's graduation from high school.

Date & Place: c. June 15, 1969 at Home in Saratoga, Santa Clara County, California United States

Comments

Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

03/05/2013

I love this photo - it's a good one of all of you!

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Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

03/05/2013

long long ago in a place far away . . .

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Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

12/04/2019

I found at Ancestry the yearbook for the University of Washington 1948-1949 Undergraduate Honors List that grandpa was mentioned. It is especially impressive since he didn't graduate from/attend the last 2 years of high school because he joined the Navy in World War II. So when he got out, he didn't want to go back to high school. He insisted on taking a test to attend the UW and got in. Then he's on the honors list!

Comments

Daniel Pinna 17 followers 598 favorites

11/28/2019

Pammy just shared the story of how she and Frank had a trip planned to visit Kentucky. Frank died two weeks before the flight but Pam still made it. The flight (Northwestern) was cancelled and Pammy was in tears carrying Franks ashes. The airline worker got her on a substitute flight. When she arrived in “Sacred Wind” she opened the ash container and this gust of wind spread the ashes.

Comments

Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

11/27/2019

Okay for such an incredibly smart man, how did he not believe in the concept of God, the Source, or the many realities we rarely see? You must have had some great conversations with him mom?

Comments

Daniel Pinna 17 followers 598 favorites

11/28/2019

Sitting here on Thanksgiving and I asked this question. Ant Pammy said when she asked Frank the same question he said along the lines: ‘You know I’ve studied world religions and I have no problem when I die returning to the Earth’. I think that’s beautiful on a number of levels.

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Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

11/29/2019

Well, he asked me what I thought about his dying (his step-mother had just died and he was just a little scared). I told him that if he was right, and there was nothing, he wouldn't know the difference. And that if I were right, he would be aware and pleasantly surprised! Of course, after he died he was pleasantly surprised and told me "If I had known it was this much fun, I would have died sooner!!" :)

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Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

12/02/2019

You're right. We really do need that 'like' button for comments :)

Favorite (2)

Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

12/14/2017

Dad - Yet another Christmas that you won't be waking me up at 6a. Awwww. :(

Comments

Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

08/23/2017

I was working on another business venture today and you kept popping in my head. I am thankful to have such a close bond with you.

Comments

Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

02/03/2002

Frank Kroetch, 1927-2001

A photo of Frank Kroetch. Frank was about 15 when this photo was taken...unsure where, but I know he never was in the desert!

Date & Place: 1942

Comments

Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

07/04/2011

well, he DID visit Palm Springs, years later . . . .lol . .

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Frank Kroetch 15 favorites

01/01/2001

Frank Kroetch & buddies

That's a photo of me (Frank Kroetch) holding court in the midship passageway. The one in the far back is Hardy and the little feller in front looking forward is P. D. Brown. Knowing him, I also know what he is looking forward to!

Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.

Comments

Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

01/01/2001

Peggy Kroetch in Alderwood Manor, WA

A photo of Peggy Kroetch (born Ida Mae Ryno), wife of H.J. Kroetch, with stepson Frank in background.

Date & Place: November 1957 in Snohomish County, Washington USA

Comments

Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

07/26/2001

Frank Kroetch & Layne Marks-Jacobs, Bremerton, WA

A photo of Frank Kroetch showing his granddaughter Layne Jacobs a 'Sherman Class' destroyer in Bremerton. Frank served on a 'Fletcher Class' destroyer in WWII.

Date & Place: April 2001

Comments

Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

12/06/2006

Abbott, Kroetsch, and Pinna

A photo of my Great-grandfather, David Shirley Abbott, my Dad Frank Kroetsch, and me (Kathleen Kroetch Pinna) at my Grandpa Shirley's house in Seattle, about 1981. I was visiting from California with my 1 mos old son!

Date & Place: February 20, 1981 in Seattle, Washington USA

Comments

Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

03/26/2015

Happy Birthday Grandpa. Today was like any other day, and I didn't remember that March 26th was when you were born, until your daughter reminded me. :)

You would have been 88 this year (2015). Thank you for such great memories while I was growing up and for always being 'around', even after death. We are proud of you too.

Comments

Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

03/05/2013

Frank Kroetch was my grandfather and I miss him every day.

Comments

Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

03/05/2013

I specifically recall visiting him every summer while I was a young boy - traveling from California to Washington. It was always so great to spend time with him at his home with the extended family.

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Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

03/05/2013

you remember trying to find gold near the railroad tracks at his house? or digging clams with grandpa and ted?

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Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

03/05/2013

I remember digging clams on the shores of the Puget Sound in Washington, but until you mentioned it (honestly!) I forgot about looking for gold on the railroad tracks! Why were we looking for gold on railroads? Did some fall of the trains during the gold rush?

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Kathy Pinna 205 followers 28.4k+ favorites

03/16/2013

LOL . . . no, just you being a kid. There was quartz along the tracks, with gold colored veins. You brought the rocks to grandpa and said that you found gold. He humored you and said that gold and quartz ARE found together!

Favorite (1)

Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

10/01/2019

My god you're right. I completely forgot about that. How old was I when I found those rocks? I think it was at his house overlooking the Sound. Not the 2nd house that I remember fairly well, but the 1st I went to. I think that one had an indoor Sauna.

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Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

10/02/2019

Yeah, I think it was Mukilteo. It did have a sauna, in the basement. I think that was the one that Carol brought the raccoons into. You, Grandpa, and Ted went clamming. Wonderful views of the Sound.

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Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

11/30/2022

Thoughts of grandpa have been more frequent an occurrence recently. As we're building a new UX, I've been spending a lot of time on this page.

Looking through all of the photos of you over the years with the perspective of a man my age today, I paint so many pictures of how I think you might have thought during various times in your life.

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Daniel Pinna 185 followers 8.71k+ favorites

01/23/2013

My grandfather, Frank Kroetch, was a great man. I know it is common for people to say this about their grandparents, but I truly believe had I not been related, I would still think the same.

Frank was an entrepreneur gifted with a brilliant mind. I will always hold him fondly in my mind.

Comments

Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

05/24/2011

Kroetch - Pinna Wedding Photo

Taken just before walking down the aisle May 27 1972. Bride Kathleen R. Kroetch (married Leonard M. Pinna) with father Frank E. Kroetch (he later changed the spelling to Kroetsch).

Date & Place: May 27, 1972 at Church of the Valley in San Jose, Santa Clara County, California USA

Comments

Daniel Pinna 10 followers 743 favorites

05/03/2011

USS Killen Reunion

This is a photo of the USS Killen reunion taken in San Francisco, CA around 1999.

My grandfather, Frank Kroetsch always thought he was the youngest on the ship. But, as it turns out, at his last ship reunion he found out he was the SECOND youngest.

Date & Place: 1999 in San Francisco, California USA

Comments

Kathy Pinna 12 followers 2.75k+ favorites

05/06/2011

oops, daniel, he was the SECOND YOUNGEST! lol

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Daniel Pinna 10 followers 743 favorites

05/25/2011

thank you! I updated the description. That's the problem sometimes with the internet...one small overseen error by any tom, dick or harry and then history is re-written!

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Pam Marks 19 followers 2.51k+ favorites

03/05/2006

Kroetsch Kids

Children of Dorothy Ferguson and Hollis Joseph Kroetch.

Date & Place: in Seattle, Washington USA

Comments

Frank Kroetch 15 favorites

01/01/2001

Killen Reunion - old shipmates!

Us KILLEN KIDS get together from time to time! I don't know when this reunion was but my Dad, frank Kroetch went to the reunion in San Francisco California a couple of years before he died - circa 1999. He really enjoyed getting together with his old shipmates and I really enjoyed hearing all of the stories. Including the fact that my Dad always thought he was the youngest on the ship but another man (boy) was two months younger.

Date & Place: Jan in United States

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Family Tree & Friends

Frank's immediate relatives including parents, siblings, partnerships and children in the Kroetch family tree.

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Frank's Family Tree

Dorothy Elaine (Ferguson) Kroetch

Hollis Joseph Kroetch

Hollis Frederick Kroetch

Frank Edward Kroetch

Partner

Child

Partner

Child

Elaine Marguerite (Kroetch) Bell Gillett

Norma (Kroetch) Erickson

Sibling

Parents:

Dorothy Elaine (Ferguson) Kroetch

Oct 16, 1906 - Aug 2, 1932

Hollis Joseph Kroetch

Jan 1, 1903 - Feb 1978

Siblings:

Elaine Marguerite (Kroetch) Bell Gillett

May 19, 1924 - Jan 29, 2007

Hollis Frederick Kroetch

Nov 21, 1925 - Jan 6, 1998

Norma (Kroetch) Erickson

Born Apr 5, 1929

Relationships

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Marian Joyce (Benning) Kroetch

Frank Edward Kroetch

Married: March 26, 1949 - July 1968

Cause of Separation: Divorce

Married at: Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington United States

Divorced at: Sandpoint, Bonner County, Idaho, 83864 United States

Frank Edward Kroetch

Marian Joyce (Benning) Kroetch

Pam (Kroetch) Marks

Kathleen Rae (Kroetch) Pinna

Child

Spouse:

Marian Joyce (Benning) Kroetch

Oct 11, 1930 - Sep 10, 2017

Children:

Pam (Kroetch) Marks

Born Jan 1951

Kathleen Rae (Kroetch) Pinna

Born 1949

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Carol (Antonsen) Kroetch

Frank Edward Kroetch

Married: December 28, 1968 - July 12, 2001

Cause of Separation: Frank's Death

Ended: Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington United States

Frank Edward Kroetch

Carol (Antonsen) Kroetch

John Hugh Kroetch

Child

Spouse:

Carol (Antonsen) Kroetch

Unknown - Unknown

Children:

John Hugh Kroetch

Born 1960

Friends

Friends can be as close as family. Add Frank's family friends, and his friends from childhood through adulthood.

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Neil W. Marks

Unknown - Unknown

Charles Henry Barrett Jr.

Apr 16, 1928 - Apr 29, 2009

32 Followers & Sources

Source(s):

Social Security Death Index

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1927 - 2001 World Events

Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during Frank's lifetime.

In 1927, in the year that Frank Edward Kroetch was born, in September, the Columbia Broadcasting System (later called CBS) became the second national radio network in the U.S. The first broadcast was a presentation by the Howard Barlow Orchestra from radio station WOR in Newark, New Jersey.

In 1939, Frank was only 12 years old when on the 1st of September, Nazi Germany invaded Poland. On September 17th, the Soviet Union invaded Poland as well. Poland expected help from France and the United Kingdom, since they had a pact with both. But no help came. By October 6th, the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany held full control of the previously Polish lands. Eventually, the invasion of Poland lead to World War II.

In 1965, by the time he was 38 years old, the television show "I Spy" premiered in the fall season on NBC. The stars were Bill Cosby and Robert Culp, making Cosby the first African American to headline a television show. Four stations - in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama - refused to air the show.

In 1970, by the time he was 43 years old, on May 4th, four students at Kent State University in Ohio were shot and killed by National Guardsmen. The students were at a peaceful demonstration protesting the invasion of Cambodia by US forces. There had been precedent for the killing of American college students. The previous year, on May 15th, Alameda County Sheriffs used shotguns against U.C. Berkeley students at a protest for People's Park. One student died, one was blinded, 128 were injured.

In 1994, at the age of 67 years old, Frank was alive when on May 6th, the Channel Tunnel or "Chunnel" was officially opened. The Chunnel is a railway tunnel beneath the English Channel that connects Great Britain to mainland France. Original plans for such a tunnel were developed in 1802 and approved by Napoleon Bonaparte but the British rejected the plan fearing that Napoleon would use the railway to invade.