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Gretha Reintjes Cronk went home to her Lord on April 7, 2018 at the Deerfield Senior Community in New Richmond, WI at the age of 81.
She was born October 2, 1936 to Hubert and Egberdina (Abee) Reintjes. A native of the Netherlands, she grew up in the northern province of Groningen. When she was 18, she immigrated with her family to the United States. They settled in southern California near relatives. It was here that she met the love of her life, Jim Cronk. They were happily married for over 53 years.
After they were wed, Gretha made a cross country move to Jim’s home state of Minnesota. They settled in the Marine on St Croix area where they raised their five children until 1976 when they moved to a dairy farm in Almora, MN.
Although Gretha had not been raised a farm girl, she learned to milk cows, feed calves and pigs, as well as tend and harvest a large garden. She even learned to cook for large threshing bee crews – a skill that served her later when she worked as a cook at a local nursing home.
Gretha was active in her home churches. She taught Sunday and Vacation Bible School when her children were young and served on the church council and the Women’s Guild at her current parish. She especially enjoyed quilting for the needy.
Gretha is a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and neighbor. She is survived by her children: Hubert (Remy) Cronk of Coon Rapids, MN, Nancy (Jeff) Schroeder of New Richmond, WI, Cora (Jeff) Hecht of Beverly Hills, FL, Deanna (Greg) McDonald of Clancy, Montana and Barry (Janine) Cronk of Almora, MN; grandchildren: Heather, Kimberlee, Emily (Samuel), Colin, Christina (Adrian), Benjamin and Maggie; great-granddaughter: Katryn; brothers: Dick (Nell) Reintjes of Temecula, CA, Case (Beverly) Reintjes of Dana Point, CA, Koos (Barbara) Reintjes of Sellersville, PA and Lane Reintjes of Anaheim, CA; sister-in-law, Elsie Reintjes; brother-in-law: Ai (Joan) Cronk of Woodville, WI and sister-in-law Elener Cronk of Marine on St, Croix, MN; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Swanee; brother, Martin; sister-in-law, Lavon.
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 4:00 pm in the chapel at the Deerfield, 1127 West 8th Ave, New Richmond, WI with visitation 1 hour prior. Burial will take place with a graveside service at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Almora, MN at a later date.
Gretha’s family would like to thank the entire staff at The Deerfield, especially at The Arbor, as well as St. Croix Hospice for their exceptional heartfelt care.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services Beebe Chapel of New Richmond.
10 Comments
So sad to hear that your mom passed away. She was my mother’s (Phyllis Wikoff) next door neighbor in assisted living at The Deerfield. I loved hearing the music that played into the hallway. She was such a sweet lady! So sorry for your loss!
Thank you Kay for thinking of her. She did love her music!
I am sorry to hear of Gretha’s passing. She was kind and lovely person. I had the opportunity to visit with her more than once. We always had a pleasant, delightful conversation. I will miss her. May her memory be be a blessing .
Thank you Charlotte! She loved visiting with you as well! She will be dearly missed!
Hi Nancy: Thank you so much for putting this video together. I will always remember how sweet, kind and thoughtful Aunt Gretha was. Seeing this brought back the memories of our visits over the years.
Thank you Maurice for your sweet words. She always enjoyed visiting with you as well.
What a lovely obit for a sweet gem of a person. I will miss singing with her in the Arbor. May your beautiful memories comfort you when you miss her.
Thank you Katherine for your great care and wonderful music, which she so enjoyed!
Sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Keep the memories in your hearts.
Dear Hubert, Nancy, Cora, Dee, Barry & family of Gretha,
My deepest sympathy at the loss of Gretha. We were so blessed to have her as a faithful saint at Elmo for those many years. She was always so willing to help in every way; such a support for them and Ken. May you find comfort in God’s care and hope in the resurrection!
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