Dr. Carl Edward Krog

Carl Edward Krog passed away on February 13, 2023. Carl was born on March 2, 1936, in Cedar Rapids, IA, to Reverend Carl Edmund and Hazel Irma (Schminkey) Krog. He attended grade school at Washington Irving School, Marion, IA (1941-1946); 1st John’s School, Chicago, IL (1946-1950); Concordia Lutheran High School, Milwaukee, WI (1950-1954); Concordia College, Milwaukee, WI (1954-1956); University of Chicago, Chicago, IL (B.A. 1958); University of Chicago, Chicago, IL (M.A.1960); University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI (Ph.D.1971) (Major: American History; Minor: European History and Geography).

On June 16, 1962, Carl married Marianne Meyer in Ft. Wayne, IN. Their three children are Anne Marie (Brian Hinderliter); children; Elise, William, Samuel, Elfrieda of Duluth, MN; Lori Lin (Kevin Hartz); children; Stefan, Olivia, and Sonja of Greenville, WI; and Carl Eric (Monica); child: Zachary of Dyckesville, WI.

Carl was a lifelong educator, teaching courses in Cultural and Regional Geography, Survey of American and European History, and Great Lakes History at both the secondary and college levels: Social Science Teacher at Concordia High School, Milwaukee, WI (1959-1963); History Teacher at University-Central High School, Madison, WI (1965-1966); History Instructor, UW Center-Marinette Campus (1966-1970); Assistant Professor of History, UW Green Bay Marinette Campus (1970-1975); and Associate Professor of History, Emeritus, UW Center (1975-1995). He retired in 1995.

Carl’s interest in history extended beyond the classroom. He was an avid reader and researcher, writing on such diverse topics as the Upper Great Lakes Region with a focus on Marinette, WI; Herbert Hoover and Conservation, the French Defeat in Vietnam, and the Coming of the American Civil War. In addition to writing articles that were later published in regional journals, Carl also edited a book on Herbert Hoover and the Republican Era.

It is a daunting task to write a few paragraphs on someone who was a history expert. If we get something wrong, we are sure there will be a sign, a lightning strike or a random pop quiz. Anyone who knew our Dad, knows he had little tolerance or patience for historical inaccuracies! That noted, he was an extraordinarily kind person who really wanted to instill a love for history and an appreciation of how it can teach us to be thoughtful about our future to any good soul interested. Dad was always hopeful that he could expand someone's worldview if they were just aided in understanding the foundational importance of history. He liked to remind his students that the “good ole days” were indeed very difficult days for the average person. He considered himself blessed for his life with our Mom, us kids, and our kids, his grandchildren.

Our Dad spent the majority of his life in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, thoroughly enjoying the natural beauty and history of the area, and, most importantly, the friendships he and our Mom made in their 56 years living in Marinette. Their friends became their extended family. The many friendships and relationships with colleagues from our Dad’s University years (memorable waterfalls biking trips and canoeing various rivers in Marinette County), coffee hour, social friends, travel, performing arts, and a glass of wine before dinner rounded out a full life that made life worth living. Our Dad’s daily activities consisted of reading history books (we have oodles of books, references, and periodicals), watching PBS, volunteering, and riding his vintage bicycle. Dad was a committed piano and organ player with distinct opinions on classical music, an admirer of gourmet food, and especially a dedicated sleuth on the trail of sweets. Dad was not above organizing swat teams of grandchildren to raid hidden caches of holiday goodies for which he received a cut of the profits. He is fondly remembered by his children and grandchildren for his quiet professor influence of literature and history, classical music, outdoor activities, sweet tooth, and conversing over the recent national and world events.

Carl is survived by his wife, children and their families. He is further survived by a sister: Lois (Kenneth Kosinski) of Washington Island, WI; sisters-in-law: Karen (Philip Burck) of Fishers, IN; and Arlene Williamson of Ft. Wayne, IN; brother-in-law: John Henry Meyer (Helen) of Millbury, OH; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marianne’s parents, sister-in-law Carol Meyer, brother-in-law Harold Behm, and nephew Jay Meyer.

He was a long-time member of St. James Lutheran Church.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 1. More information to follow.

Memorials are suggested for the University of Wisconsin Green Bay Foundation to be used at the Marinette Campus.

“Even such is time, that takes in trust our youth, our joys, are all we have, and pays us but with earth and dust; who, in the dark and silent grave, when we have wondered all our ways, shuts up the story of our days. But from this earth, this grave, this dust, my God shall raise me up, I trust.”   —Sir Walter Raleigh

Hansen-Onion-Martell funeral home is assisting the family.