Robert “Bob” Kroes passed away on Aug. 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Santa Barbara.
Born in Racine, Wisconsin, on Dec. 3, 1935, son of Stephen and Ann Kroes, Bob attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, where he received a degree in engineering.
More importantly, it was in Milwaukee that he met Katherine. They married in 1958.
In 1960, with two small children and a job offer in the aerospace field, they moved to California.
Within a few years Bob attended Santa Clara University and earned an MBA in economics. By now the father of a growing family, he joined the University of California as an administrator.
He held the position of vice chancellor at UCSB for several years before moving on to Antioch University where he taught economics and computing.
Bob enjoyed travel and found ways to combine his love of other cultures with service to his community, his students and to his family.
As a co-founder of Los Ninos de Los Americas, he spent many weekends working with disadvantaged children in the Mexican border communities of Tijuana and Tecate.
While teaching at Antioch, he established a program for students to visit China and Europe.
Closer to home, Bob was an active member of the work of Santa Barbara Catholic Charities for many years, serving as president of the board of directors for five years.
He also shared the experience of travel with his grandchildren, introducing them to the world beyond the borders of Santa Barbara.
In retirement, Bob and Katherine often spent time together with their daughter and son-in-law in England. They explored many locations in the UK, Europe and the Mediterranean area.
Bob especially enjoyed family gatherings. Almost every Sunday, the family would come together for a shared meal. Holidays were always a festive occasion. In the summer, everyone shared time together at Bass Lake.
He is survived by his wife Katherine; their children Elizabeth, R. Christopher (Ann), Lisa (Desmond), Andrew, Mark, Kevin (Peggy), Amy (Scott), Michael (April); grandchildren Greg, Chloe, Michael, Nicole, Michelle, Maggie, Bradley, Eric, Jonny, Maxwell, Allison, Alejandra and Vivienne; great-grandson Soren; brother Rev. Ralph; twin brother Roger; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like especially to thank the VNA Hospice Healthcare and, in particular, Nurse Laura.
In lieu of flowers, you may consider donations to Catholic Charities of Santa Barbara or VNA Hospice Healthcare.
Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 at the Old Mission Santa Barbara.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Pueblo Del Rey Funeral Services.