Robert Krolak Obituary

To a very dear friend for many years and very dedicated to the boys he worked so hard for in the sport of hockey. He will be remembered for the good times Joe and I spent with him in Chicago. He was a great family man. May he rest in peace. Love and God Bless. Shirlee Kapral, Sun City, AZ. Joe passed away April 17, 20012.

June 30, 2012
Bob became a friend when he took a Softballteam, the Chicago Sharks to the Haarlem Softball Week in 1995. His energy and his motivation for youth sports have been a big inspiration for me. May you rest in peace.

I know you are in Hockey Heaven! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to play in the 1974 Sweden VS Willow Cheyennes All-Star Game at the Willow Ice Chalet and for Oak Hockey First State Jr. Hockey Championship in 1974. You were always nice to me and I know God is being Good to you! RIP. James "Chico" Hernandez

I just learned of Bob's passing. I am sorry I didn't know. He was my cousin, his father was married to my Aunt. So sorry, I know personally that he was a heck of a man. I also found about his book, but Amazon doesn't have it. Condolences, Richard N. Goedert

Dear Mel and Sandy -
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you. Love never dies and may your dad's memory always stay close to your heart and keep you smiling.
Take Care

My thoughts are with Bob's Family. Your father changed many young lives over the years. We worked together for many years getting the teams over the Atlantic.
Jette K. Nielsen, SAS

My condolences go out to the Krolak family. I will always remember my meetings with Mr. Krolak.

Bob made a fantastic job providing the opportunity for many young Swedish hockeyplayers to travel to USA and participate in great events and adventures both on and off the ice. He will always be missed and remembered in the Swedish hockey community.

Our time at Lions Cup 2011 was the best hockey experience our family has ever had. We met Bob before we left and it was very inspirational talking with him. He touched a lot of families in his life and will be missed.
Dave Bruno & family

My favorite words from Bob: “I think if I do this, something good will happen.” And he did and the world became a better place for everyone. He lived each day with courage, kindness and creativity and he'll live forever in our hearts.

Bob was an inspiration. It would be a better world if more of us tried to be like Bob. We will miss him.

Bob-
You were an inspiration and gave my family many joys, thanks for the opportunities, you will be in our hearts forever!!!

Bob Krolak was a hero. All the lives he touched and changed for the better! He will be forever with us--a little bit of Bob's heart in so many of ours!

Bob
Thanks for all the happy hockey memories you have given us through all the years!

/All players in Tegs Hockey, Umeå, Sweden

We have good memories with Bob, we stayed several times at his house in Markham and we host the spirit of Chicago softbalteam in Huizen many times. He drove us around to show many things and bring us to the Sox and the Cubs
Thanks Bob ! Ellen and Peter Hendriks

My condolences to the Krolak family and to all close to Bob Krolak. For many young softball players he made dreams come true. Rust zacht!

Bob was a great man. He helped so many kids go across the ocean to play a game they loved. He got me a tryout in Sweden and i was there for a winter playing hockey. Everything he did was for others. I wouldnt be where I am in hockey today if it wasnt for Bob. You will be missed by many

He was a great man. He will truly be missed. Thank You, Mr. Krolak for your kindness.

Bob and I just spoke last week and I was able to thank him for making the Lions Cup a wonderful experience for our boys. My husband and I are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him. He was truly one of a kind with a heart of gold. Our condolences to his whole family. May his "Spirit of Chicago "live on.

To All of Bob's family and friend's we offer condolences from our family, His friendship,determination and vision allowed everyone in our family (as so many others) the opportunity to solidify friendships through hockey. We will miss him terribly next week, but his spirit- the Spirit of Chicago, willl carry forward.

Bob and I just spoke last week of his excitement of preparing a Super 60 tribute book. He was such a dedicated man with great visions for the young people he touched. Thank you for letting me be part of your vision, Bob. Enjoy your hockey in heaven.

To Bob's Family
On behalf of all of Bob's friends at Peoples Gas, I wish to extend our condolences to all of you. I remember Bob as a loyal and dedicated worker who was always ready to take on the next assignment, what ever that might be.
Sincerely
Frank Dawson

"We have so many great memories from hosting young athletes from the US, and from visiting and feeling the great hospitality from our american host families. We now thank Bob for all those great moments. He will be missed on the other side of the pond as well.

Melissa and Sandra, We are so sorry to hear about the lost of your Dad. I will always remember the times we all spent together at Christmas. We will definitely be at the services.

He was a good man who touched so many peoples' lives especially in the sport of hockey.

The Benes Family, (Dave Benes)

The family of Edward Krolak (Bob's cousin) wish to extend their sincere condolences on the loss of your father. Unfortunately, Ed passed away this past September, but the cousins had the opportunity to reconnect over this past year, and Ed was so proud and impressed by your father's book. Your family are all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

Bob Krolak one way or another has touch your son in Hockey without you actually knowing it. I can not say enough of his contribution in my life as he placed me to playin Swedish League and also place my teams to be able to play in Scandanavia 3 times. Bob footprint will imprinted forever.

This is a Great loss to the Hockey Community. From anyone who has hosted a Swede, or whose child has played in the Krolak Cup.

Bob you will be missed!

Bob was a friend to so many people around the world. An innovator and entrepreneur, he heralded youth hockey in Illinois always giving, never taking. It was our families privilege to meet Bob at the 2006 Krolak Cup Hockey Tournament in Northbrook and our honor to become a friend and supporter in the years that followed.
I spoke to Bob regularly until a few days before his death. He was still working on projects, planning youth experiences he could deliver, reaching for the next brass ring.
A man to be admired and remembered.

The loss of a family patriarch, and a great man like Bob Krolak leaves a hole that cannot be filled. Bob will be missed in the hockey community, but he pioneering ways, exuberance for hockey and the path he paved for so many players will forever be imprinted on the hockey community. Our condolences to the Krolak family.

Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois

Our condolences go out to the entire Krolak family. The hockey community has suffered a terrible loss. Bob's dedication to Hockey and international sports is second to none and will never be duplicated. He provided many a youngster the opportunity to travel abroad to compete in youth sports. From Hockey to Softball and from Sweden to the USA, his contributions are endless. The 2012 edition of the Krolak Cup will one to remember. My dad (Art) was clealry sadden by this loss and their friendship of 50 plus years will carry on!

GODSPEED my Friend!

Bill Fehrman and Family

Mr. Krolak made it possible for countless youth hockey players to experience international travel and competition. My condolences to his family.