William E Cronen

William "Bill" Cronen, age 79, of Benson, passed away Friday, August 6, 2021, in the Swift County Benson Hospital.  Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Benson.  Visitation will continue from 10-11 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at the church.  Pastor Zane Anderson will officiate.  Burial will be in the Benson City Cemetery.

William Ernest Cronen was born August 9, 1941, in Montevideo, Minnesota, the son of Lloyd and Blanche (Otterholt) Cronen.  He was baptized and confirmed at Jevnaker Lutheran Church, rural Montevideo.  Bill was raised in the Benson area where he attended school and graduated, Class of 1959.  After high school he enrolled in Moorhead State University for two years.  He was also enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard for several years.

On January 5, 1963, Bill was united in marriage to Sharon Amundson at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson.  This union was blessed with over 58 years together and two daughters: Cindy and Cheri.  Bill worked for 47 years in car sales.  In those years, he sold cars to many loyal customers.  He had a knack for selling cars.  Bill retired in 2011 from Mills Ford in Willmar.  He enjoyed many activities and was an outstanding athlete…golfing, wrestling, softball, and bowling.  Bill enjoyed spending time with family and friends, but especially time with his grandchildren and watching them in their activities.  He was a loyal Braves fan.

Bill passed away Friday, August 6, 2021, in the Swift County Benson Hospital.  He attained 79 years, 11 months, and 27 days of age.  Bill is survived by his wife, Sharon Cronen of Benson; daughters: Cindy (Chad) Connelly of Benson and Cheri (James) Hughes of Montevideo; grandchildren: Layton Connelly and Marissa Connelly; brother, Jerry (Betty) Cronen of Montevideo; sister-in-law, Connie Cronen of Alexandria, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Blanche Cronen; his brother, Dennis Cronen; and his niece, Anne Cronen.

Blessed be the memory of William “Bill” Cronen.