On March 27, 2010 Douglas area rancher and 2008 inductee into the Arizona Farming and Ranching Hall of Fame Robert N. Krentz Jr. was shot and killed by a suspected illegal alien while checking water lines on his property. His loss has been felt by not only his family but by his community, state and the country.

Phases that have been used to describe Robert Krentz include good husband, good father and good friend. He was known as a conservationist, good rancher and kindhearted individual who was always available to lend a helping hand when the need arose. Known as Rob, Krentz headed operations for the historic Krentz Ranch, a legacy of great grandparents Julius and Emma Krentz who bought the property in 1907. The family has run purebred Hereford and Charolais cattle as well as crossbred stock on the property for over a hundred years.

A Douglas native, Rob, played football for the Douglas Bulldogs in 1968, the year Douglas High School won the State Championship. He went on to Cochise College for two years before heading for Tucson and the Uof A where he graduated with honors and a degree in Animal Science. He was offered a fellowship at Cornell University but opted to return home and work on the ranch. Following the death of their parents, siblings Rob, Phil and Sue bought out their uncles and took over control of the ranch with Rob and Phil and their families living on the property and handling the day-to-day operation.

The Krentz Ranch is known throughout the industry for its extensive gravity flow water line, which is used to sustain the cattle operation and provide water needed to maintain a well-managed range. Submergible pumps to provide a consistent flow of water, which has also allowed the family to create a sustainable wildlife habitat on the ranch, augment the line.

Robert Krentz numerous contributions to his industry include serving as president of the Cochise Graham Cattle Growers from 1993-94 and serving on the organization’s board of directors. At the time of his death he was on the board of directors of the Malpai Borderlands Group and served as president of the Whiteriver Draw National Resource Conservation District.

Krentz is survived by his wife Susan, two sons; Andy of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Frank of Douglas, Arizona and a daughter, Kyle Gutierrez of Green River, Wyoming; brother Phil and sister Susan Pope; two grandchildren; two nephews, a niece and numerous other relatives of the Krentz and Kimble families.