Bruce "Pete" E. Kropff

Bruce E. "Pete" Kropff Obituary Bruce “Pete” Edward Kropff, age 85, of Salem, VA, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, following a long battle with chronic heart issues. He is preceded by grandparents, Harrison Lee Kropff, Vina Jane Kempleton Kropff, William Jasper Walton, Sarah Amanda Bolen Walton; parents, Raymond Hooker Kropff, Mary Naomi Walton Kropff; sister-in-law, Gypsy Burch Kropff; brother-in-law, Leroy Spradling; father-in-law, H. Scott Spradling; mother-in-law, Frances Fitzwater Spradling.He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Velma Spradling Kropff; children, Gina Kropff Ellis, (Michael), Bruce Edward Kropff, II (Lauren Clatterbuck Kropff); siblings, Joseph L. Kropff (Betty), James R. Kropff (Gwen); grandchildren, Sydney McMakin (Kyle), Benjamin L. Ellis, and his life-long friends Carl Young and Billy Swain. Pete was born in Salem and attended Andrew Lewis High School where he enjoyed participating in many sports teams, especially football. He was an original member of “the Dudes” of Andrew Lewis High School which was started as a group of 13 friends and later evolved into an annual golf tournament that included many Andrew Lewis High School graduates. He was an avid golfer with a competitive spirit and won several tournaments. Pete was a Veteran who served our country as a Marine from 1959-1963. He was involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was very proud of his time in the service and had many good stories to tell of this time.Pete worked at Sav-a-Stop for a while, then Allstate in the “Computer Room” for 28 years where he made many lifelong friends and colleagues. Pete worked hard but also liked having a good time. Through the years, he was a member of several fraternal organizations such as the Elks, the Moose Lodge, and the Shriners. He particularly liked helping with the Shriners Circus and parades and was passionate about helping the children who would benefit from the fundraising efforts. Pete was a devoted and loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. There was nothing that he enjoyed more than spending time with his family and his many friends. Though his presence will be deeply missed, his spirit will remain with all who were fortunate enough to know him. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home located in Salem. The family will receive friends for a period of visitation 1 hour prior. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Kazim Shriners of Roanoke. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.