11/12/1931 - 10/26/2016

Dr. Sigurds Otto Krolls, 84, of Madison, MS, died on 26 October 2016, in Jackson, MS. Dr. Krolls achieved outstanding military and academic careers and was a member of many significant academic and prestigious honorary societies.

Dr. Krolls was born in Riga, Latvia on November 12, 1931, to the late Otto and Elza Krolls. Forced from his homeland by Soviet occupation, he ultimately came to America in 1949.

In time he attended the University of Illinois in Chicago where he received a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dentistry degrees. He was later awarded a Master of Science Degree in Oral Pathology from Indiana University.

Following his formal dental education, Dr. Krolls began a 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force, where he rose to the rank of colonel and was named vice chairman of the Department of Oral Pathology. He was awarded the nation's second highest peacetime award, the Legion of Merit.

Dr Krolls continued his graduate education, earned a Master of Science Degree in Education from Jackson State University, and in 1977 transitioned to a career in higher education at the then newly established University of Mississippi Dental School. Over the course of 38 years he taught oral pathology and, prior to his 2014 retirement, served as chairman of the university's Department of Diagnostic Sciences.

He authored more than 100 scientific papers and was the recipient of many local, state and national awards for science and academics. He was a dedicated member of the American Academy of Oral Medicine, where he was awarded Diplomate status in 1981 and Honorary Fellowship in 2006.

Dr. Sigurds Krolls is survived by his loving wife, Ruth (Staprens), of Madison, MS; brother Egils of Tucson, AZ; sister Zaiga (Edvins Tums) of Washington, DC; daughter Larisa (Scott Phillips) of Chicago; son Sigurds (Martina Streips) of Scottsdale, AZ; granddaughter Aleksa Krolls; and grandson Konrad Krolls.