Hillis Raymond "Hilly" Krokstrom's Obituary
Hillis Raymond “Hilly” Krokstrom, Jr., age 84, of Chanute, Kansas, passed away Monday, February 5, 2018 at Diversicare in Chanute. Hilly was born on March 1, 1933 in Elsmore, KS the son of Hillis Raymond Sr. and Dorothy Fern (Price) Krokstrom.
Hilly graduated from Elsmore High School in Elsmore, KS in 1951. After high school, he attended Chanute Junior College, where he played basketball and then went on to serve in the Army from 1953 – 1955 as Military Policeman in Japan. After the military he went to Pittsburg State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1958. Hilly married Patsy Northway Nelson on June 10, 1972 in Iola, KS. He worked at the Iola Dress Factory before moving to Chanute. Hilly was a co-owner with his dad of the Chanute Livestock Auction before going to work for the USD 413. He enjoyed watching sports, history and exercising. In 2014, Hilly was proud to be able to experience the Honor Flight. Hilly was a member of the American Legion, CARSP and a past member of the Elks.
Hilly loved his grandchildren, especially his little great granddaughter. He will be greatly missed.
Hilly is survived by:
Wife:
Patsy Krokstrom of the home
Children:
Monty Nelson and wife Becky of Chanute
Mark Nelson of Wichita, KS
Thom Krokstrom of Peoria, IL
Mike Nelson and wife Lisa of Bentonville, AR
Jackie Robbins of Shirley, IL
Grandchildren:
Zach Nelson and wife Brittany
Kyler Nelson, Jessica Robbins, Sam Nelson
Great Granddaughter:
Jaylynn Nelson
Sister-in-Law:
Sue Krokstrom
Uncle and Aunt:
Dewayne and Eileen Krokstrom
Numerous Nieces and Nephews
Hilly was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Tom Krokstrom.
Cremation has been requested. A memorial service will be on Friday, February 9, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chanute. Inurnment will take place at a later date. The Chanute Honor Guard will be in charge of military honors. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Memorials have been suggested to the St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital or Harry Hynes Hospice and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home, 101 N Highland, Chanute, KS 66720.
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