Obituary
Guest Book
1924
2015
CRONRATH, Eugene Wesley –
Was born on April 10, 1924 in Lind, WA to Ernest and Frieda (Buhl) Cronrath and the family later moved to the Harrington area in 1929 where he attended school in Harrington and graduating in 1942. Eugene married Frances Elaine Zellmer on September 20, 1952 in Harrington, WA. They continued to live in the Harrington area and raise their four children Jared, Mark, Joel and Ruth. Eugene farmed for many years and also drove school bus for the Harrington school for many years. He was a charter member of the Harrington Nazarene Church, member of the W.A.W.G, NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration). Eugene enjoyed playing with his grandchildren, bicycling, fishing, boating, race cars, car and combine demolition derbies, and watch trains from his deck. He kept track and reported the weather for Harrington for many years and made crystal radios and did some watch repairs. He enjoyed taking videos and watching older movies on his reel to reel. He enjoyed and sponsored the Harrington Opera House and was hoping for an elevator to be installed and be the first person to ride. Eugene enjoyed cooking oatmeal and raisin cookies, cherry cheesecake, he helped his mother with her rose garden and also helped repair cars for other people and was very mechanical and could fix almost anything. Eugene is survived by his wife Frances Elaine Cronrath at the home, four children Jared Arthur (and Gina) Cronrath, Mark Eugene (and Kathi) Cronrath, Joel Ernest (and Wendy) Cronrath and Ruth Elaine (and Dan) Fromm along with 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren with several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Frieda Cronrath, three brothers Raymond, Clarence Harold and a sister Ruth. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at the Harrington Nazarene Church, 204 N. 3rd, Harrington, WA with Pastor Jim Beattie, officiating. Memorials may be made to the Harrington Nazarene Church, 204 N. 3rd, Harrington, WA 99134. Please sign the online guestbook at www.stratefuneralhome.com. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, DAVENPORT, WA is caring for the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 5, 2015
Mark Cronrath
Thank you Dad for teaching me to drive tractors, trucks and combines. You were always so patient. You gave me a love for farming. Thank you most of all for being an example of a loving Godly man, husband, dad and grandpa. I hope and pray I can become at least 1/2 the man you were. I love you and miss you! Can't wait to see you again!
February 5, 2015
Terry Howe
I will dearly miss Genes presence in my life. I will miss kissing him every Sunday morning on his cheek, and telling him how handsome he was. The first time I meet Gene he showed us our home we are living in now. What a special man he is.
February 4, 2015
Coastal Alaska
February 3, 2015
Angela Beckman
Gene gave me my first tractor ride. He also helped take care of our FFA animals that he let us keep at their farm outside of Harrington when we first moved from the big city to the little town of Harrington. He was a great uncle through marriage but was always more of a grandpa to me. He was quiet but always willing to help anyone. He loved his rabbits and took wonderful care of them. He loved working in his shop and always had something going on in there. He loved working at the Harrington Food Bank at the church. you cant say enough about the love and integrity of this Child of God!
Angela Beckman(Ritzville Wash)
February 2, 2015
Donald King
Thinking of Gene Cronrath always brings a smile, and warms my spirit. What a curious, kind, and gentle man! I often wondered what was going through Gene's mind, and as a young boy when I got the courage to inquire, I was amazed by Gene's good humor, and genuine interest in everything. In the Apostle Paul's Letter to Titus, he says "to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people." I think that is a fitting description of Gene Cronrath.
To each person in the Cronrath family, and to all of Gene's loved one's, I want to send my love, and to wish for you the hope, and peace that can only come from Christ Jesus!
February 2, 2015
Nathan Darling
I appreciated very much, as a pastor, Gene's gentle spirit. He was an easy one to visit with.
January 31, 2015
Vicky Darling Rankins
You were a good influence in my life and even though I followed a different path memories of you and Elaine are always with me. Much love to the family. Vicky (Darling) Rankins Key West
January 31, 2015
Michelle Lilly
I never knew a more amazing, helping, friendly, loving man until I moved to Harrington years ago. Gene & Elaine opened their home to me & my kid's, and showed me what true christianity really is. Gene was the grandpa I never had & I loved him & will miss him. Always. I love you Grandpa Gene!
January 31, 2015
Joel Cronrath
I will always cherish the memories of harvest with you growing up when I would fall asleep in the wheat truck and you would drive the loaded machine to my truck or shut down your machine and walk over to my truck to wake me up and not give me a harsh word ever, just get back to work like nothing ever happened. And also the good breakfasts you would make like french toast and home made syrup. Also the yummy oatmeal cookies you would hide on the front porch which we kids would see you sneeking out to get. Then later in life when you retired from farming and I had a farming operation that you helped me with driving wheat truck and discing stubble for me when truck driving got too much for you. All the dinners we had after harvest with our crew I will never forget! Love you Dad, will see you again soon!
January 30, 2015
Ruth Fromm
I love you daddy!!
January 18, 2015
Dear Elaine and family,
Paul and I want to express our sorrow for the loss of Gene. You were a good friend of Neva and have been a blessing to us over the years. We pray that
you will experience God's peace and strength during your time of loss. We
love you. Wish we could be there for the service. Paul & Marie Barber
January 18, 2015
Darrel Brown
We are so sorry to hear about Gene.....our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Cronrath family......Darrel & Bev
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