Robert "Doc" Kralman (75) of Effingham

Robert E. “Doc” Kralman, 75 of Effingham, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Carle Hospital in Urbana.

A memorial visitation will be held Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. Interment will be held privately at Arborcrest Memorial Park, accompanied by military honors.

Doc was born October 21, 1948 in Effingham, the son of Paul H. and Marie (Dawson) Kralman. He married Robin Endebrock in 1985. Along with that package deal came three children. Why he decided to go from a carefree bachelor to take on such a huge responsibility of being a husband and stepdad to three little children is beyond comprehension, but there he stayed for 40 years, always present, always proud of his family, and continuously committed to being the best husband, dad, and grandpa he could be. A fourth child blessed the family, a beautiful baby girl named Kelli. From the instant she was born and wrapped her tiny fingers around his, Doc was in love. Doc loved all of his children fiercely and completely. He provided strength in the hardest of times, laughter in the silliest of times, and was always a steady force of calm and reason in every situation. His soothing, beautiful voice made everyone in his world believe that “everything is going to be alright" and that we can get through anything, as long as we stick together.

Doc was a proud veteran who served in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman from 1966-1969. Everyone asks how he got his nickname, and the military was where it all started. The nickname just stuck once he returned to civilian life. His whole life was dedicated to veterans in our community, and he served in multiple capacities over the years. He was so very proud to be a Navy veteran. Doc was also an active Rotary member for many years and cherished all of his friends at Sunrise Rotary. He remained active after retirement and enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow Rotarians.

Most people know Doc from his 50 years in broadcasting. His career started at WCRA/WCRC and he worked there in sales and on-air for many years. When WXEF/KJ Country started up in Effingham, he was asked to join their team and the rest is history. He rejoined his good friends Greg Sapp and Larry Wilson, and together they were an exceptional team who entertained surrounding communities each morning during the Morning Show. Their silly antics and continuous laughter provided hours of entertainment for Effingham folks and surrounding communities. Doc’s voice was so familiar and distinct that he always had people instantly know who he was just by speaking a few words! He was a friend to everyone and always took the time to talk with people when they recognized him (or his voice). Doc retired a few years ago, yet so many people still stopped to talk to him and always expressed how much they missed him after his retirement from radio. He was always so appreciative and gracious to all who took the time to say such nice things.

Living in Doc’s world was such an honor for his family and friends. He loved traveling on adventures with Robin, spending time with friends and family, gardening, rhubarb pie, westerns, and corny Dad jokes. His eyes twinkled when he laughed and he was always such a teaser. He especially loved teasing his grandkids and they all loved and teased their Papa Doc right back. He was loved and cherished by so many. Doc’s friendships are lifelong and he has so many friends who are grieving too. If you were lucky enough to be his friend, you know of his loyalty, his unwavering support, and his love for you. Robin has loved him for forty years. She has always said, “he is the nicest man I have ever met.” Robin describes their relationship as her being the “inhale” of breath, always busy, always planning and Doc being the “exhale”, ever calming, and always present. Doc was known for giving the best hugs and when times were troubled, Doc was there with a warm embrace, and somehow the world felt right again. Love like that is rare and Robin knows she was so blessed to be loved by him.

Doc is survived by his wife, Robin of Effingham; children, Shane (Tracy) Parker of Anchorage, AK, Kaci (Jeff) Miles of Moore, OK, Kelli (Jimmy) McCrory of Champaign, and bonus family Jack and Angi Ullrich; grandchildren, Isaac Parker, Kaleb Parker, Kaitlyn Parker, Kalli Miles, Jarron Miles, Kynli Miles, Endy McCrory, Nico McCrory, and bonus granddaughter, Charli Ullrich. He is also survived by many beloved in-laws, and nieces and nephews.

Doc was preceded in death by his parents; son, Shad Parker; brother, Tom (Barb) Kralman; and sister, Linda (Lynn) Lambert.