Arthur J. Kroot

Arthur J. Kroot, who was born on August 29, 1945, in Columbus, Indiana, and passed away on June 23, 2026, in the same beloved community, lived a life marked by generosity, selflessness, and passion. He was a lifelong resident of Columbus and carried a deep appreciation for the people and places that shaped him.

Arthur graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, where he built a foundation that would serve him well throughout his professional life. He later became the Owner and Operator of Kroot Corporation, where he devoted himself to his work with determination and integrity. Through his business leadership, he earned the respect of colleagues and associates alike, and he approached every responsibility with care and purpose.

Arthur’s children want to share some memories of their father:

“They say you can’t do everything, but they never met our father, Arthur Kroot. Our dad was the constant gardener and a pioneer. He loved to watch things grow and loved to nurture people and places around him. He believed in a bottom-up approach as opposed to a top-down approach. He loved to help those who were willing to help themselves. Dad would lower his shield and sword in order to lift those up around him. To us he was like King Arthur, the benevolent King. He was a humanitarian who believed in the good will of others.

Art was a pioneer in our community of Columbus. In the early 1970’s, dad created the NIC Unit at Columbus Regional Hospital. It was actually called KISS, Kroot Infant Special Services. Newborns who needed more attention were able to receive special care in our NIC Unit which is still ongoing today.

In the 1970’s during the heyday of Columbus, Dad started Economic Development that is ongoing today. Dad was one of the pioneers who created Woodside Industrial Park.

One of the neatest things during this time, Columbus was growing culturally. Since we service so many Japanese automotive factories in and around Columbus, Dad saw a need to preserve the Japanese children’s culture. He began a bussing service for these children to attend Japanese schools in Indianapolis. Mr. Ochi, who was the president of MC Aluminum at the time wanted to know who this man was investing in the children. Mr. Ochi and Dad met and became extremely close, like brothers, after working together on business and community projects.

Dad never tooted his own horn regarding his accomplishments; he preferred to do things anonymously. He believed in creating low-income housing, giving to those in need, such as the homeless and creating organizations that would help those in need. Art and Bobbi sponsored a family of 9 from Vietnam. They opened a Vietnamese restaurant so all 9 people had jobs. Dad was the dishwasher and Mom bought all the food and was a waitress. Dad was the most incredible leader because he led by example, doing all the jobs with his fellow coworkers.

Dad lived 10 lives in his one life. Time was more important than money. In 1979, Mom bought Dad a balloon ride that took off from our back yard and Dad was never the same after that. He wanted to share his love of flight and adventure with others. He flew all the way up until 2020. He took thousands of people up to fly in and around our community for free. Dad thought of himself as a balloon because you can’t help but smile when you see a balloon. You couldn’t help but smile when you encountered Dad. He had an effect on the world like no other. He was a father, a brother and a close friend to many. He believed that life is all about the friends you make, having purpose each day and staying in the light. Dad had an abundance of people he cared about and those who cared about him. Dad loved his kids and grand kids to the moon and back. Family was everything to him, he loved all unconditionally and passed his values down to us. We memorialize dad by living his values and caring for others the way we were taught.”

Arthur was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Roberta Lee “Bobbi” Kroot, whose memory remained close to his heart. He is survived by his son, Josh Kroot, and his wife, Rachel; his daughter, Robin Kroot; his brother, Jeff Kroot; and his grandchildren, Michelle, Aaron, and Brandon. His family was a source of great joy in his life, and he treasured the time he spent with them. He found happiness in their accomplishments, comfort in their presence, and pride in the legacy they continue to carry forward.

Arthur J. Kroot will be remembered as a man of character and conviction, one whose life reflected kindness, devotion, and a genuine love for others. His influence will live on through his family, his work, and the many lives he touched in Columbus and beyond.

A celebration of life will be held on August 22, 2026 from Noon until 4:00 p.m. at Kroots, INC. 2915 State Street Columbus, IN. All friends and family are invited to celebrate Arthur’s life and have a celebration with food fun and comradery.

Balloonist’ Prayer:
May the winds welcome you with softness.
May the sun bless you with its warm hands.
May you fly so high and so well that God joins you in laughter and
Sets you gently back into the loving arms of Mother Earth.

You are invited to share a favorite memory, sign the online guestbook or send a message to the Kroot family via the funeral home website: www.jewellrittman.com