Richard Conrad Croell

Bud was born in Hampshire, IL, and moved to Lawler, IA, in 1939, the 4th child of 10. He attended Mt. Carmel Grade School, and graduated from Lawler High School at the age of 16. Since his parents deemed him too young for college, he began his real education by working for his blacksmith father, Richard Croell, who could “fix anything,” according to Bud. His mother, Leona (Schalk) Croell was also an entrepreneur, working with antiques, and refurbishing old houses.

Bud graduated from Iowa State University in 1955 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, after attending college on a basketball scholarship. He chose to release the scholarship to concentrate on his studies. He joined the ROTC and became a second lieutenant in the army. Later he became a captain and served two years in Germany with his new wife, Patricia Gerhardt. Unfortunately, Pat died in 1987, leaving him with five children. He held many jobs associated with manufacturing and sales, but starting P&B Products and Furniture Components was his pride and joy.

In 1989, Bud married Carol (Dohm) Croell at Nativity of our Lord Catholic Church in Broomfield, and added four more sons to his family. Bud and Carol were active in the prison ministry in Limon and Englewood for 9 years before moving to Longmont and joining St. Francis of Assisi Church. Bud volunteered as a Eucharistic minister at Longmont United Hospital for many years until his health failed. He also belonged to Phi Kappa Theta, the Knights of Columbus, the Serra Club, and MANA.

Bud was a man of many interests, and loved spending time with his family and nature. His passion was camping in his motor home, while he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an accomplished musician, and played several instruments, including the accordion. He also traveled worldwide with Carol.

Bud was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia, his parents, and a sister, Teresa.

Bud is survived by his faithful wife of 27 years, Carol, and his 9 children: Steven (Jean) Croell, Amy (David) Smith, Chris (Karen) Croell, Mike (Susie) Croell, and Fr. Benedict (John) Croell, OP. Stepchildren include Dr. Michael (Cathy) Dohm, Jeff (Susan) Dohm, Dr. James (Tian) Dohm, and Jon Dohm. There are 25 grandchildren: Kurt, Grant, Abby Croell; Geoff (Christina), Tracy, Cameron Smith; Connor, Haley Croell; Katie, Chad, Steven Croell; Audrey, Emily, Nicole, Luke, Paul Dohm; Anna (Nathan) Cashion, Mac, Eden, Noah Dohm; Spencer (Jane), Sam, Simon Dohm; Nick, Jack Dohm. Great grandchildren are Lucy Smith; Oliver, Owen, Oscar, Bailey Dohm; Will Cashion. Surviving sisters and brothers are Rosemary Junko, Jeanette (Earl) Nikolas, Mabel Banwell, Leone (Jack) O’Donnell, Roger Croell, Eileen Levin, Kathy (Duane) Wickman, and Dave (Bobbye) Croell. There are many nieces and nephews.

What a gift from God to have had Bud in our lives. He was faithful and leaves this legacy for his family and friends. Rest in peace, dear Bud, you will be missed.

Funeral Mass will be September 14 at 10AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Longmont, Colorado. Rosary will be at 9:30AM. Burial will follow at the Louisville Cemetery.