Marklund mourns the loss of Clint Kroth

GENEVA – Clint Rodney Kroth, 29, of Geneva, died Monday, Aug. 5, 2013, at Delnor Hospital, Geneva, after a sudden, brief illness. Clint was born Aug. 19, 1983, in Oak Park, the son of Vernam and Shelley Kroth.

For 16 years, Clint was a resident of Marklund, a residential facility that serves individuals with profound developmental disabilities, first residing at the Marklund Children’s Home in Bloomingdale and then the Marklund at Mill Creek adult campus in Geneva. An outgoing young man, Clint was considered the unofficial “Mayor of Marklund,” a role that he relished over recent years. He greeted and toured visitors to the Marklund facility and befriended staff, peers and volunteers.

In addition to spending time with his friends, Clint received tremendous joy from watching WWE wrestling, particularly Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. He also enjoyed watching old movies and TV shows, especially “I Love Lucy,” and playing games with friends. The family is grateful to everyone at Marklund for the excellent care extended to Clint over the years as well as the wonderful upbringing he had living there since the age of 13.

Clint is survived by four sisters, Trina Alexander (nee Kroth) of Oswego, Angie (Todd) Schinke (nee Kroth) of DePere, Wis., Janette (Kelly) Gillespie (nee Kroth) of Santa Ana, Calif, and Terri (Richard) Gardner (nee Kroth) of Romeoville. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, his best pal Mickey Mouse, and many friends at Marklund.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his dear Grandma Grace Kroth.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the Independent Baptist Church (IBC), 380 W. Boughton Road in Bolingbrook.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Marklund, at 1S450 Wyatt Drive, Geneva, IL 60134.