Raymond Ckroner

Raymond C. Kroner, 86 of La Crosse died on Friday, December 16, 2011 at the Bethany-St. Joseph Care Center. He was born May 14, 1925, in La Crosse to Ludwig and Fedelia (Hansen) Kroner. He graduated from Central High School in 1943.

In 1940 Ray began working for his father at the Kroner Hardware Store in downtown La Crosse. In July of 1943 he enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country. He proudly served during WW II until his discharge in March of 1946. He enjoyed telling stories of his time served to his daughters who loved to hear his tales of how their dad won the war.Following his discharge, Ray worked for the G. Heilman Brewery. He attended La Crosse State Teachers College (now UW-La Crosse) where he graduated in 1951. He then began his first teaching assignment in Hammond, IN, where he taught until 1953. After teaching in Hammond, he was an elementary school teacher and later principal in West Salem. In 1959 he began his 29 year career with the School District of La Crosse teaching at Logan Middle School until his retirement in 1988. During this time he received his Masters Degree in Education from Winona State University in 1968. In addition to teaching, he worked for the La Crosse Park and Recreation Department from 1949-1988. He enjoyed his work as a playground director, lifeguard and also a supervisor of the beaches and pools.

On August 8, 1959, Ray married Darlene Heim at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in La Crosse. They were married 52 years. During those years they enjoyed camping, tennis, swimming, back yard cook-outs and other special family times with their girls. They also enjoyed spending time with their many friends. Ray was a longtime member of Our Saviors. He was active in the confirmation program for many years, ushered and volunteered for Mobile Meals until he was no longer able to do so.

His interests included playing softball for 16 years, fishing, duck hunting, doing crossword puzzles, and was an avid reader. He was a member of the La Crosse Curling Club and for several years curled most every weekend with his daughters. He enjoyed coaching basketball and attending the UW-La Crosse Quarterback Club. Ray was a member of Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 and an avid Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers football fan. He truly enjoyed listening to his favorite music, big band jazz and swing. His biggest joy came from his daughters; they were the light of his life.In addition to his wife Darlene he is survived by three daughters; Jane (Mike) Speer of Marshall, MN, Anne (Chris) Raymond of Janesville, WI and Mary (Steve) Fink of La Grange, IL; four grandchildren, Michaela and Jacob (fiance, Stephanie Lienemann) Speer both of Marshall, MN, Miles and Malia Fink both of La Grange, IL; sisters-in-law, Nancy Kroner and Edythe Kroner both of La Crosse; and a brother-in-law, Thomas Spence, Sr. of Mankato, MN, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Ludwig, twin brother Russell; two sisters, Phyllis Lee and Emily Spence; and nephews Dr. Peter Rank and Capt. Timothy Spence.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, December 22thndth at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 612 Division St. with Rev. Mark Jolivette officiating. Entombment with military honors provided by Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Friends and family may call on Wednesday from 4-7 P.M. at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse and again at the church on Thursday from 9:30 A.M. until the time of services.

Rays family would like to thank all those from Mayo Franciscan Health System who have helped him through his journey including, Dr. Mark Stevens, Dr. Michael OBrien, Dr. John Teske, Helen Lethlean and Linda Butterworth, and the Franciscan Healthcare Hospice staff who gave him exceptional attention and care. We especially want to thank those who cared for Ray so compassionately at Bethany-St. Joseph Care Center. Words cannot express how wonderful the care was that he received. He enjoyed you as much as you enjoyed him and his stories.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Franciscan Healthcare Hospice, or American Brain Tumor Association.