Joseph Steven Kroll Jr.

Joseph Steven Kroll Jr. was born on March 27, 1945, in Alexandria, Louisiana, to Joseph and Gertrude Kroll. He grew up in Richards, Texas, and graduated from Richards High School. In September 1965, he was drafted into the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1967. Shortly after being wounded in battle, he was honorably discharged and returned home to Richards, Texas. Not long after, Joe was introduced to the love of his life, Angie Dobraski. He later moved to Willis, Texas, where he became a Conroe Police Officer. Joe and Angie married in January 1970 and began their lifelong journey together. While attending Sam Houston State University, Joe was elected to the Willis City Council, where he served two terms. In 1972, he was appointed Municipal Court Judge for the City of Willis, a position he faithfully held for 36 years. Joe also volunteered for the Willis Fire Department and devoted countless hours to the Willis Youth Baseball League, Willis 4-H, Willis FFA, Willis Ag Booster Club, and the Willis Athletic Booster Club, where he served as an officer for several years. At the Montgomery County Fair, Joe could always be found working tirelessly to provide food, refreshments, and hospitality to everyone around him. A devoted member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Waverly for 55 years, Joe served as chairman of the church bazaars for eight years. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5921 for over 40 years, serving multiple terms as Grand Knight and Deputy Grand Knight. Joe also became a Fourth Degree Knight in Assembly 2285. Joe enjoyed reading and watching westerns, hunting and fishing, trips to the casino, and—above all—watching his grandbabies at their extracurricular activities. He was known by many names—“Judge,” “Daddy,” and “Joe”—but his favorite title of all was “Papa Joe.” He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Angie Kroll; son, Steven Kroll and wife Kasie; daughter, Stephanie Hanks and husband Robert; grandchildren, McKayla Dunaway, Haylyn Hanks and fiancé Heath Garrett, J.T. Kroll, and Harper Hanks; and great-grandson, Declan Dunaway. He is also survived by his brother, Jessie Kroll; sister, Elizabeth Schwake and husband Jerry Schwake; sister-in-law, Joni Dobraski; brother-in-law, Mike Dobraski; and numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Gertrude Kroll; in-laws, Joe and Ruby Dobraski; brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Cora Kroll; sister-in-law, Shirley Kroll; and brother-in-law, Lawrence Dobraski. Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Reverend Doctor David Green for the unwavering support and kind words, the outstanding staff of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital for love and care that has been extended over many years, and Monsignor Adam McClosky for taking the time to honor the one we love the most. A verse our family would like to leave you with is 2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/ A private burial will take place at a late date.

Joseph Steven Kroll Jr.

March 27, 1945 - October 13, 2025