Victor J. Cronk

Victor J. Cronk was born June 7,1936, in Detroit, Michigan. The first child of Harold and Anna (Kavarda) Cronk, joining two older step-sisters in the family,(Pauline and Freda) They lived in downtown Detroit, very close to Tiger Stadium. In 1938, another son, Harold, was born. Their father, Harold Sr., was a car salesman and the official time keeper for the Detroit Red Wings. While the children were still young, the family moved to the farm near Pinkney, where they raised chickens. Vic also learned to grow perfect tomatoes, which were one of his favorites. Later, the family resettled in Baldwin, Michigan when Vic's father started his own Chevrolet dealership. Tragically, Vic lost his father in an auto accident a few years later. Vic was 14 years old. He graduated from Baldwin High School and attended Western Michigan University. Vic knew Rochelle Seelman would be his wife, when he spied her through his survey transit, across the lake, while working on the crew. Vic and Shelly were married, June 27, 1959. Later they were blessed with two sons, ( Phillip 1962 and Todd 1964), five grandchildren, ( Elizabeth, Shane, Ryan, Jared, and Audra ) and two great grandchildren, (Clay and Chase ). They settled in Muskegon, where Shelly taught school and Vic worked at Muskegon Piston Ring, retiring after 28 yrs. Later, Vic was co-owner of Twin Lake Outfitters, a bait and tackle shop. Time spent with family and friends was important to Vic and Shelly, whether at their home or cottage. Vic never missed any grandchild's activity, roofing party, or a hunting or fishing opener. Vic played several sports, and was an avid fan, especially of Detroit professional teams and the University of Michigan (in gratitude, for the two life-extending surgeries they performed). He never missed watching them with three t.v.'s in the living room! He also enjoyed working on his lawn, grilling out, listening to country music, snowmobiling, golfing, and wintering in Arizona. He served proudly in the U.S. NAVAL RESERVES for 20 yrs and was a member of the Muskegon Eagles, Aerie #668. Since he was disabled for several years Vic was only able to enjoy the peace and comforts of home, with the love, devotion, commitment, caring, and compassion that his tireless, selfless wife showed him, in sickness and health. Holding his hand, cheek to cheek, 'till death do we part. Victor J. Cronk, age 76, passed away on Tuesday, January 1, 2013, at home surrounded by his beloved family. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rochelle; sons, Phillip (Donna) Cronk of Twin Lake, Todd Cronk of Muskegon; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Shane, Ryan, Jared, Audra; 2 great grandchildren; brother, Harold (Helen) Cronk of Scottville; 3 brothers-in-law, John Seelman, Jack Matson and Bob Scherer; several nieces & nephews; and good friends, Wendall VanLoozenoord, Dan Kissel, Jack DeWitt, Bob Laskowski. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Pauline Saunders, Ruth Matson and Freda Scherer. Services will be held Saturday, January 5, at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Julie Winklepleck officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visitation is on Friday, January 4, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice or Immanuel Lutheran Church.