Thomas Mark “Tommy” Kroll, 71, of Kankakee passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at his home. He was born on October 28, 1952 in Fairbury, the son of James and Marie (Kemp) Kroll. He married Debra Byard on February 19, 2011 in Kankakee.

 

Surviving are his wife, Debra Kroll of Kankakee; one daughter, Stephanie Kroll Piacenti of Bourbonnais; two step sons, Randy (Heather) Pierce of Clifton and Derek (Marissa Klaman) Pierce of Kankakee; two grandsons, Adrian Piacenti of Indianapolis, IN and Ethan Piacenti of Bourbonnais; four step granddaughters, Lily (Garrett Manny) Pierce of L’Erable, Randi Pierce of Clifton, Dallas Pierce of Kankakee, and Madisen Platt of Kankakee; one step great grandson, Sutton Manny of L’Erable; sister, Jane (Charley) Wirtz of Bradley; and brother, Daniel (Shelly) Kroll of Bradley.

 

He was preceded in passing by his parents; one sister, Angela O’Conner; and two brothers, Richard Kroll and Michael Kroll.

 

Tommy was an auto body technician most of his life and retired from Precision Auto Center in 2018. He was of the Lutheran faith.

 

Tommy, or better known by his nickname, “Cocktail”, was a dirt track stock car racer for forty years. He retired from racing in 2009. He won twelve track champions titles throughout his racing career. He drove a late model, Limited late model, sportsman, and modified. Tommy raced at Kankakee Speedway, Fairbury, Farmer City, Santa Fe Speedway, and several other tracks. He loved all of his racing fans.

 

Tommy enjoyed living on the Kankakee River while boating, fishing, and just relaxing. He would take his dog, Max, for rides on the jetski. He would go camping in Florida in the winter months and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

 

A memorial visitation will be from 12:00-3:00 pm on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton.

 

Memorials may be made to Uplifted Care Hospice.

 

Please share a memory of Tommy at knappfuneralhomes.com.