Dr. Robert Cromer

Dr. Robert Warren Cromer, of Antigo, died on June 25, 2014 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital at the age of 88. He was born Jan. 31, 1926 in Milwaukee, son of the late Earle Hayward and Myrtle (Erdmann) Cromer. He married Dede Summ on June 8, 1957 at Peace Lutheran Church in Antigo, and she survives. Dr. Cromer was raised in Maywood, IL, and graduated from Proviso Township High School in 1943. He then attended Northwestern University. After a year of college, he joined the US Army, serving in the 78th Infantry Division during World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, where he sustained an injury. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for his service. After his discharge from the military, he returned to Northwestern, where he completed his undergraduate studies and medical school. Dr. Cromer's medical career began with his internship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. He moved to Antigo in 1954, where he worked as a family practice physician for 60 years. Along with Dr. Earl Roth, he established the clinic at the Antigo Medical Building in May, 1968. Dr. Cromer continued to operate the clinic until his retirement on June 16, 2014. He was a member of the Langlade County Medical Society and American Medical Association. Always active in the community, Dr. Cromer was a member of the Antigo Unified School District Board, Rotary Club, Ice Age Trial Alliance Council, Antigo Music Association, and Bass Lake Country Club. He loved traveling, and enjoyed learning new languages when he traveled to foreign countries. He also liked fishing, hunting, golf, hiking, photography, music, mountain climbing, gardening, bird watching, and relaxing with a good brandy old fashioned. In addition to his professional expertise, community service, and numerous passions, Dr. Cromer will be remembered for a great sense of humor and his many life experiences that he shared with those around him. Survivors include his wife, Dede Cromer of Antigo; 3 daughters, Julie (Greg) Bradisse of Shorewood, WI, Amy (Shawn) Young of Huntville, AL, and Heidi (Tom) Arnold of Boulder, CO; 2 sons, Steven (Stacey) of Littleton, CO, and John (Aurelia) Cromer of Thornton, CO; 8 grandchildren, Mark and Joe Bradisse, and Alejandra, Katelyn, Steven, Greyson, Julia, and Charlie Cromer; a sister, Betty Trombello of Illinois; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Cromer of Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at Peace Lutheran Church. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home, and 10:00-11:00 Monday at church. Interment will follow the service at Elmwood Cemetery, where local veterans will conduct military honors. A memorial will be established in his name.