10/07/2026
Well, damn. The world is definitely a little duller today without Steve Kroll in it. It’s hard to imagine walking into our usual spot and not hearing that laugh, or immediately getting pulled into whatever scheme he was cookin up next.
He had a way of makin the ordinary feel like an adventure, and he kept this entire Ned's crew on our toes. Steve, you brought so much life, laughter, trouble, and joy to our lives. We love you, we miss you, and things just won't be the same without you. 🤍
Stephen Benjamin Kroll, 52, of Easton, passed away Monday, October 5, 2026, at KU Medical Center, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Steve’s love for farming and family defined his life.
He was born March 21, 1974, to C.J. and Carol E. (Wood) Kroll in Leavenworth, Kan. He was raised in the Easton community and graduated from Pleasant Ridge High School in 1992, where he excelled in football and FFA. Following graduation, he began his farming career alongside his father, a profession that became his lifelong passion.
Over the years, Steve became a highly respected farmer in the community. He loved being outdoors and found great satisfaction in working cattle, planting, harvesting and putting up hay. Anything related to farming brought him joy. Though he would never admit it, he may have even had a soft spot for a donkey or two and a few horses as well.
On September 16, 2017, Steve married his soulmate, Jennifer Rebecca Wilson. Together they built a life founded on hard work, dedication and pride in all they accomplished.
Even during the final months of his battle with cancer, Steve remained as active as ever. He made it through planting season and hay season, welcomed his newest grandson, and enjoyed a memorable trip to Alaska with Jennifer. He was determined to pack as much life as possible into every day and truly lived each moment to the fullest.
Steve had a special gift for making people laugh and smile. Whether through a quick-witted remark or a well-told story, he brought joy to those around him. He especially enjoyed gathering around the "Table of Knowledge" at Hilltop Cafe, sharing breakfast or lunch with his lifelong friends.
Steve was preceded in death by his father, C.J. Kroll on July 1, 2022.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer Kroll of Easton, Kan.; his daughters, Kirsten (Gavin) Rathbone and Anica Jade Kroll, both of Easton, Kan.; his stepdaughter, Katie (Dariusz) Aikenhead; his stepson, Josh (Kendall) Pittman; his mother, Carol Kroll of Easton, Kan.; his sister, Kelly (Jamie) Funk of Atchison, Kan.; his brother, Jeff (Lisa) Kroll of Pierre, S.D.; his nieces and nephews, Megan (Colby) Ketron, Morgan (David) Rendulic, Connor Kroll, Jasi Kroll, Sam Funk and Layne Funk; and his four grandsons, Hayden, Kaysen, and Cade Stephen Rathbone and Ezra Aikenhead.
Steve will be remembered for his strong work ethic, sense of humor, love of agriculture, and unwavering devotion to his family and friends. His legacy will live on in the fields he farmed, the lives he touched, and the memories he leaves behind.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, at St. Joseph of the Valley Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Pleasant Ridge High School FFA.
