Florence A. (Philipps) Kronebusch

Florence A. Kronebusch passed away peacefully on August 6, 2021, from natural causes just short of her 101st birthday.  She was residing at the Conrad Bee Hive Assisted Living.

Florence was born in Conrad, on October 10, 1920.  Her parents were John Philipps and Theresa Kalmes Philipps. Florence grew up with her two brothers, Harold and Elmer, and attended school in Conrad and graduated from high school in 1938.  Florence became a Certified Nursing Assistant.  She married Donatus A. Kronebusch in 1944.  Donatus was in the Navy and was stationed at Corpus Christi, Texas, and San Diego, California, where Florence worked in hospitals and factories during World War II.

Florence and Don returned to Conrad and purchased their own farm 10 miles north of Conrad where they raised their five children:  Phyllis, Jean, Paul, Theresa, and Anita.  They continued in farming until their retirement.

She shared her knowledge and skills with anyone involved in her life.  She established The Meadowlarkers 4-H club and was active at the state level.  She continued being a 4-H leader for 20 years.  Florence shared her many talents with numerous children in the neighborhood and gave them a head start on their lives.

Florence was active in St. Michael’s Church, extension homemakers, garden club, and served as an election judge.  She held leadership positions in these organizations.

She loved to garden and joyfully shared her flowers, including floral arrangements for church services.  She canned and froze the produce from her fruit and vegetable garden to provide healthy food for her family during the winter months.   She enjoyed painting and photography.  She was very talented, winning many ribbons for her floral displays, vegetables, photography and painting at local and state fairs.

Florence learned to ski in her late 40’s and loved the sport.  She enjoyed snowmobiling with Don and friends. When friends and family gathered, there was always pitch, pinochle, and other games being played.

Florence and Don moved off the farm in 1988.  Their son, Paul, and his wife, Bonnie, took over the farming operation.   Florence and Don built a second home outside of Conrad.  They picked up the game of golf and enjoyed it during their retirement.

With their children on their own, Florence and Don bought a motorhome and traveled to warmer southern states in the winter months.  They enjoyed traveling and rock hounding with special friends and family.

Her husband, Don, passed away in 2009.  Florence continued to live on her own.  She lived in the Blue Sky Villa, the Horizon Lodge and the Bee Hive Assisted Living.   She celebrated her 100th birthday in 2020.

Survivors include her brother, Elmer Philipps; children, Phyllis Kronebusch, Jean Kronebusch, Paul (Bonnie) Kronebusch, Theresa Kiss, and Anita Fisher; as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great-great grandchild. She is preceded in death by her husband; grandson; and great grandson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Michael's Catholic Church.

Rosary service will be held Thurs, Oct 7, at 6:30pm followed by a vigil service. Memorial services will be Friday, October 8, at 2:00pm. All services will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church.