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William "Bill" Herman Kroll, 86
October 28, 1925- April 27, 2012

Bill Kroll of Bloomington, passed away on Friday, April 27 at the IU Health Bloomington Hospice House.  

He was born in Frostburg, ,Md. to Elsie (née Lynn) and Herman Kroll.  After finishing high school, Bill joined the US Air Force and served his country for 2 1/2 years.  Upon returning home, he attended Frostburg State Teacher's College and the University of Maryland.  He did his graduate studies at Indiana University where he studied Audio-Visual Education.  

Bill was employed for thirty-six years with IU beginning in 1955.  His hard work and good fortune took him from being a lecturer and film supervisor,  to a technical supervisor of the broadcasting services, operations supervisor, a full professor in Telecommunications, deputy director and finally to the Executive Director position of the Indiana University Radio and Television Services and General Manager of WFIU and WTIU.

In the early 1960's, Bill coordinated the construction of a state-of-the-art facility, the Radio-TV Center on IU's Bloomington campus, that housed one of the largest television studios between the East and West coasts.  In the late 70's, Bill shared his expertise with the international media community: he did film work in Tunisia, consulted in Chile, and co-directed the design of a national educational technology program in Saudi Arabia.  Later in his career, he was instrumental in developing a pioneering two-way audio and visual system between Indiana and Purdue universities.

Bill contributed to over 20 television series and individual programs which aired in Bloomington, state wide and nationally on public television.  Among those was "Doc- The Oldest Man in the Sea," a documentary for which he was the Executive Producer about IU swim coach James (Doc) Counsilman's record breaking English Channel swim.  

Throughout his life, Bill served on various campus and local committees.  He was an active member of First Christian Church where he most recently served as chairman of the Property Committee.  His numerous accolades include receiving a Sagamore of the Wabash and a Kentucky Colonel.  

In his retirement, Bill enjoyed watching IU Basketball and Football, attending theatre events in Bloomington and in Nashville, IN, vacationing with his family along the east coast of North Carolina and playing pool with his "Monday Night Group".  

He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Mary Katherine "Kate" (nee McClain) and three sons; Craig of West Lafayette, IN, Kim (Lena) of Laurel, Maryland and Chris (Lisa) of Bloomington,  six grandchildren; Krista (Rob) Hunt & Brian (Nenya) Kroll, Kandace & Kyle Kroll, and Stephen & Michelle Kroll, five great-grandchildren; his  sister, Helen Davis of Thonotosassa, Florida, and three nieces.  

A church service and a Celebration of Life are being planned  for later dates, to be announced.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Christian Church or to WTIU or WFIU.

Allen Funeral Home 4155 South Old Highway 37 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org.