Mr. Max W. Cronk

Max William Cronk entered into his eternal reward Sun., May 4, 2014, aged 87 yrs., after waging a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Max was born August 29, 1926, in Grandville, Mich., son of Howard & Beulah F. (Moss) Cronk. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Max met his future wife, Virginia Elizabeth Pettit, after he first saw her across the room at the Phil Osterhouse Dance Studio in downtown Grand Rapids, and thought, “She looks like a princess.” They were married in St. Francis Xavier Church, July 18, 1953. Max worked at the railroad all his working life, from the time it was the Pere Marquette in the late 1940’s until retiring from CSX in 1987. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors. Not having been raised in any particular religious tradition, Max was received into the Catholic Church on March 18, 1990. A quiet man, he demonstrated his faith through his volunteer work at St. Francis and his many acts of kindness to others. Max also had a keen sense of humor. When asked by his visiting RN about a recent fall at his doctor’s office, he responded with a slight smile and a twinkle in his eye, “A nurse pushed me over.” Max touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all. In addition to his parents, Max was preceded in death by his sisters, Barbara Janowiak and Leeta Snider; and his grandson, Adam Lee Friedman. In addition to his wife, Virginia, Max is survived by his three children, Michael Cronk, Mary (Ted) Friedman and Ann (Harold) Workman; five grandchildren, Bryce Workman, Sarah (Tad) Smedes, Lindsey Workman, Matthew Friedman and Kelly Workman; and three great-grandchildren, his little angels, Dylan Workman, Abby Smedes and Emma Friedman; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Peter Snider, Alice and Andy Limber; and several nieces and nephews. Max is also survived by two very special friends, Bob and Dorothy Dykstra, with whom he shared many hunting and fishing adventures. According to Max’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service/Mass of Christian burial will be held at the Shrine of St. Francis Xavier and Our Lady of Guadalupe, 250 Brown SE, Tuesday May 20, 2014 at 11:30 am. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. His family will receive visitors Tuesday 10:00-11:30 am at the church. Max's family would like to acknowledge the loving care and support of the staffs of Beacon Hill at Eastgate and Spectrum Health Hospice…from our hearts to your hearts. Contributions in Max's memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

Tributes

Mr. Max W. Cronk

August 9, 1926 - May 4, 2014