Eugene Kronmiller
Eugene Kronmiller passed away
on Thursday Feb. 24 2011. Eugene was born the son of Jacob
M. Kronmiller and Clara O. Kronmiller on Feb 28, 1919, on a
farm three miles northeast of Deaver, Wyoming. He went to
grade school in Frannie, Wyoming, from 1925 until 1932, and
attended high school at Deaver ,Wyoming, from 1932 until he
graduated in 1936. Following high school he took pre-med at
the University of Wyoming, graduating at the top of his
class with honors. He attended Northwestern University
Medical School in Chicago from 1939 until 1943. Eugene
interned at Cook County Hospital in Chicago and graduated
with a M.D. degree, and onto his medical residency and a
surgical residency at the Norwegian American Hospital in
Chicago.
While attending Norwegian American Hospital in Chicago
Eugene met the love of his life, Wanda M. Ek. She was a
registered nurse in charge of the nursery there. Wanda was a
nursing graduate from the Kahler School of Nursing in
Rochester, Minnesota at the Mayo Clinic. During their
courting days one of Eugene favorite songs was “Let Me Call
You Sweetheart”. They were married on Feb. 13, 1942.
Eugene served in the Army of the United States in 1945 and
1946. They moved to Billings, Montana, where Eugene had
practiced medicine as a family physician from 1946 until
1985.
Among the organizations to which Eugene belonged are the
following; a charter member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, an
honorary premedical fraternity at the University of Wyoming,
the Montana Medical Association, the Yellowstone Valley
Medical Society, the American Academy of Family Practice,
and Physicians for Social Responsibility.
Some of Eugene’s hobbies were gardening, reading, archery,
and fishing with his family. His favorite TV programs were
Gunsmoke, Bonanza and Lawrence Welk and he loved old cowboy
songs. He loved to grow tomatoes, cucumbers, and peas, and
would share them with the neighbors . However, the peas he
grew did not make it into the house since he ate them off
the vine. He loved to sing jingles such as “Won‘t you try
Wheaties. It‘s the best breakfast food in the land“.
Eugene was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers
Leslie H. Kronmiller MD and Bert W. Kronmiller Attorney At
Law. He is survived by his wife Wanda Kronmiller; two sons
William M. Kronmiller and James P. Kronmiller; and two
grandsons.
Keeping physically and mentally active were priorities
during his lifetime. He read medical journals to keep up to
date in that field until his eyesight failed. At age 90 he
memorized the capitals of all the nations of the world!
This humble man, throughout his life, was thoughtful and
caring not only to patients but to friends and family. He
was generous of his time when needed. His “sweetheart
forever marriage” was a treasure to witness and learn from.
They celebrated their 69th anniversary this past Valentine’s
Day. The last year as his health failed he had one wish,’’ I
want to stay alive to take care of Wanda” Sadly, that wish
was not to be.
To our daughter-in-law Kim a special note of appreciation
for her love and support.
Cremation has taken place and no services are being planned at this time.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
Carol & John Green extend their sympathies to
Wanda and the family. Carol is Ruth Kronmiller’s daughter (Ruth passed
away June 6, 2010). It was a great pleasure knowing Gene and he will be
missed. His contributions to the quality of life in Billings were many,
and will be long remembered. We’ll never forget those grand tomato
plants--our never came close to his tall vines! Our blessings, Wanda.
Carol & John
From Kathy Stark Dokken, the kid next door
who always seemed to get into trouble with almost every other kid in
the neighborhood!
I sure have some great memories of Doctor Kronmiller. He always had
time to have a look at all the wounded birds I brought his way. I
loved the big pine tree in the front yard because a pair of morning
doves had a nest on a low branch for years. He made sure I didn't
disturb them. He took the time to look at my infected earlobes after
a botched ear piercing (along with a stern lesson on how to clean
and sterilize with alcohol). He was a good friend and neighbor to my
mom & dad, Marvin and Marie Stark. They sure enjoyed the visits on
the front porch! It was obvious how much he loved to garden...he
would get lost in those huge tomato plants!
I am sorry I didn't get to see him much these past years. My
condolences to Wanda, Jimmy & Kim and Bill.
From Mariah Bettise, the Kronmiller’s next
door neighbor. I was so incredibly sorry to hear about Gene’s
passing. Gene was a great man and I’m so lucky to have known him. My
entire family has many wonderful memories of Doc Kronmiller coming
over to save the day after one of us got hurt or needed help. I will
always remember his wonderful smile. He was always so happy in his
garden and we loved all the veggies he shared! We were blessed to
have such wonderful neighbors as Wanda and Gene. He will always have
a special place in my heart.
My love and condolences to you Wanda, Jimmy, Bill, Kim & Family
…..you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Mariah Bettise