Obit: Krom, Ben #2 (1873 - 1952)

Contact: Stan

Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Krom

----Source: OWEN ENTERPRISE (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 11/13/1952

Krom, Ben #2 (11 SEP 1873 - 5 NOV 1952)

Funeral services were conducted Friday, Nov. 7^th from Piser Funeral Home, Chicago, for Ben Krom, 81, Withee (Clark Co., Wis.).  Mr. Krom passed away Wednesday, Nov. 5^th, 1952, at Luther Hospital, Eau Claire, where he had been hospitalized one week.  However, he had been in failing health for the past several years.

Ben Krom was a pioneer resident of the Withee community, coming here 60 years ago.  He was born in Russia on Sept. 11, 1873 and came to the United States as a youth of 14 years.  In 1892 he first came to Withee, absorbing various business interests which necessitated frequent visitations to the community from his home in Chicago.  In 1900 he was united in marriage and established a fine home in Withee.

For five years he operated a saloon, later selling it to the late John Laneville.  The building still houses a tavern today, as the Midway Bar is located in the building Mr. Krom built.  After disposing of his interest in the saloon he devoted his time to dealing in livestock and farming, and was widely known as a livestock dealer, thus establishing many fine acquaintances throughout the northwest section of the state.

He never was actively engaged in civic affairs by holding office, but his influence in the community was continually reflected by his cooperative and constructive thinking.  He was also a charger member of the Masonic Lodge at Thorp.

Surviving his death are two sons, Milton and Harold, Withee, three brothers, Morris, also of Withee, A. J. Krom, Chicago and Joseph of Los Angeles, Calif.