Robert “Bob” Krohn, a longtime supporter of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Institute, the Munroe-Meyer Institute and UNMC, died Dec. 12 at the age of 87.
Krohn and his wife, Myrna, have supported research at the Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases and the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center for many years. Ken Cowan, MD, PhD, director of the center, is the current holder of the Robert F. and Myrna L. Krohn Chair in Cancer Research at the cancer center.
“Bob and Myrna were the first members from our Nebraska community that my wife (Alison Freifeld, MD) and I met during an early interview process back in 1999,” Dr. Cowan said. “They spent an entire day showing us Omaha and telling us about this great community. They have been friends and supporters ever since. Bob has been the co-chair of the Cancer Center Community Advisory Board for more than 20 years.”
Dr. Cowan called Krohn “an incredibly kind and generous person, always willing to help welcome newcomers to Nebraska and take the opportunity to describe the outstanding features of this place –most importantly, the great people. Bob was deeply devoted to our state and worked tirelessly to constantly strengthen our community.
“He and Myrna came to every Cattlemen’s Ball and have always been strong supporters of the Cancer Center,” he said. “Their gift of the Robert F. and Myrna L. Krohn Chair in Cancer Research was very special — a clear indication of their commitment to the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.”
At MMI, the Krohns have been consistent supporters of the institute.
See Robert Krohn’s full obituary here.
“Bob was an amazing, caring individual, a true friend of MMI, and a remarkable human being who will be greatly missed,” said MMI Director Karoly Mirnics, MD, PhD. “We will always remember him for his kindness, smile, thoughtfulness and the generosity of his spirit.”
“Bob and Myrna Krohn have been part of MMI family since Myrna worked at MMI as a speech pathologist,” said Melonie Welsh, director of the MMI Department of Community Engagement. “Together, their presence as friends, consultants and supporters of MMI was a constant theme. With hallmark quiet strength, grace and dignity, their goal has always been to focus on the priorities of the Institute and partner to make the greatest impact to advance MMI’s mission.
“Their support at critical moments to honor MMI’s legacy leaders, retain and recruit experts in the field, fuel cutting-edge research, grow new programs, and provide capital support has been strategic and intentional. The Krohns’ partnership with MMI to serve individuals with disabilities and complex health care needs in rural areas has always been vital to them. Their legacy at MMI is indelible.”
“Bob was very well respected in this community and across the state,” Dr. Cowan said. “He knew more about Nebraska than anyone else I know. He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the great fortune to know him.”