Joe Cronk

Joe Cronk traveled on to be with God, September 29, 2000. 

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ruby and Arthur Cronk; and his sister, Rosemary Oakwood. 

His boyhood days were spent along the banks of the Ohio River in the small town of Rosiclare, Illinois. He enlisted out of high school into the Navy, where he was a radioman. Upon completion of service he attended the Missouri School of Mines, where he graduated as Magna Cumlaude with a degree in Mining Engineering and Geology. Joe met Roxie, his future wife, while at Rolla. He held true to his promise to his folks that he would not marry before finishing school. He graduated in the morning and they were married that afternoon. Dad's career took them to Galena, Illinois. Their son, Robert was born in 1952. They pulled up stakes and became pioneers with a move to Blanding, Utah. The covered wagon was in the form of a supplied 15 foot trailer, jeep, and short wave radio. In 1956, they moved to Grants and Laura was born in 1957. During the next 20 years Dad worked for United Nuclear, was active in the Garden Club, served on the Hospital Board, was Chairman on the First United Methodist Church Board, and Treasurer for many years. Dad tutored Laura, Robert and many of their friends with word problems in math. He insisted that a picture of the problem was drawn and there was a full understanding of the solution. He showed us leadership in his honesty, loyalty, tolerance and extra dry sense of humor. Mom and Dad insured that Robert and Laura had a university education. We spend many wonderful vacations together hiking in national parks, visiting family, and studying museum displays. For a short ten years, Mom and Dad moved to Jeffrey City, Wyoming, where Dad worked for Phellps Dodge. He loved nature and Wyoming was a paradise for elk, moose, and bald eagles. At the time of retirement, Mom and Dad decided to return to Grants to once again enjoy Easter at El Moro, fall splendor on Mt. Taylor and visit with their many friends. This past summer Dad celebrated his 50th Anniversary at Missouri School of Mines and his 50th Wedding Anniversary to Mom. This time Mom and Dad shared a second honey moon with Laura and her husband, Marc Terpko at White Fish Day Wisconsin. Dad is survived by his companion of many years, Roxie; his son, Robert; his daughter Laura and in the hearts and memories of many wonderful friends. 

His family would like to especially thank Arnold Valdevia and the caring and excellent staff at Cibola Hospital. Dad has many wonderful friends, a loving family, and a life full of bright and wonderful experiences. He is the best friend, a wonderful husband and the best father anyone could hope for. He will be with all of us forever. 

A Memorial service will be held Wednesday, 2:00 p.m., at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Richard Danek officiating. 

Honorary pallbearers include Robert Cronk, Jake Abraham, Robert McLeane, Jim Meiser, Marc Terpko, Henry Oakwood, Clyde Cerniway, Roger Madisen, Jim Greenslade, and Walter Ashwill. 

Grants Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.