In loving memory of

Lawrence William "Bill" Cronin
March 14, 1953 - December 6, 2021





Lawrence William "Bill" Cronin
Age 68
Lawrence William "Bill" Cronin Des Moines - passed away unexpectedly on the morning of December 6th, 2021, in Clear Lake, Iowa.
Bill was born on March 14, 1953, in Des Moines Iowa, to Lawrence and Ruth Cronin. Bill was a proud graduate of East High School and William Penn College. He married the love of his life and best friend Sue (Clark) Cronin in the summer of 1974. Bill devoted his work life to Electronic Engineering Company. He retired in 2020 as the Executive Vice President.
Regardless of the task Bill always gave his family, friends and employees his most extraordinary effort.
In 1971, Bill earned a football scholarship to William Penn College in Oskaloosa, IA. He graduated with a degree in secondary education and was a member of the Delta Beta Phi fraternity. His most cherished and prestigious accolade while at William Penn, was being selected to the 1974 NAIA All-American Football Team. Bill was always proud to share the honor with former NFL great Walter Payton.
Following graduation, he declined pursing NFL dreams and began his teaching career in southeast Iowa at the Fairfield Middle School. He also found time to teach drivers ed, was a coach on the varsity football team and spent summers coaching baseball at North Mahaska High.
In 1977, Bill was asked to lead the expansion of Electronic Engineering Company from Des Moines to Ames. This became the first of eleven branches that he championed. Bill quickly became an ambassador for the city of Ames, he participated in numerous social clubs where he and Sue established the most wonderful lifelong friends. Outside of being an amazing husband and father he found time to participate in the Ames Homebuilders Association, Ames Rotary Club, Ames Golf and Country Club, and the Ames High School Booster Club.
Bill loved Clear Lake. Starting in 1981 Bill found weekend refuge from the office at a condo within The Harborage, in 1996 his first lakefront home in Bell Harbor, and in 2009 his dream home in Tanglefoot. Bill was fond of dock fishing with his 6 grandchildren, running a jet ski at full throttle after sunrise, cycling around the lake, and taking Sue for an evening sunset boat cruise.
Bill was the perfect host and thoroughly enjoyed entertaining for family and friends. His annual Christmas party in Ames was a favorite. Singing songs with friends around his antique player piano, mixing the perfect vodka martini, hand stuffing blue cheese olives, and grilling steaks on the BBQ. He always made time for Hawkeye Football, on gameday he treated guests to extravagant tailgate parties on the doorstep of Kinnick Stadium. He golfed, but never had a permanent tee-time or home course. Bill simply enjoyed the comradery and the opportunity to enjoy a great cigar.
When Bill traveled, it was luxurious. Bill won numerous incentive trips and vacationed at pristine resorts and many magnificent destinations. He would often reminisce about the trips to Europe and the various comedic overseas adventures. Summer trips to New York City were also a favorite, dinner and dancing in the Rainbow Room, countless Broadway shows, and his favorite hotel, The Michelangelo.
Bill was a collector, depending on the decade Bill hunted for vintage martini shakers, high end pens, watches, and eye-catching antiques. Regardless of the storefront, he enjoyed searching for the illusive item missing from his collection and openly shared the accompanying story of how it was acquired.
He was a member at Valley Church in West Des Moines and a lifelong Christian. Bill was active in the Capital Blue Lodge, a 32nd Degree Mason, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Za Ga Zig Shrine, and a member of ROJ 47. Bill believed in his phrase, "I don't just make sales...I create possibilities". His keen wit, lifetime stories, and his presence will be greatly missed.
Bill received the following awards and distinctions: East High - Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee, William Penn College - Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee, Ames High School - Booter of the Year, I-Club - Kinnick Society, Iowa State - Order of the Knoll, Board member at Hamilton Memory Gardens, and an advisor for the Motorola Dealer Council.Bill was proceeded in death by his parents and faithful dog Rudy. He is survived by his wife Sue, daughter Ginny (Jim Lunderby), son Ben (Meggan), grandchildren: Lilly and Griffin Cronin, Joseph, Maggie, Henry, and Katie Lunderby. Siblings: Connie (Jim) Rowley, Diana (Ken) Boyd, Phil (Vickie) Cronin, Robert (Diane) Cronin, Debi Stoll, and Jeff (Shelia) Cronin. Brother in-laws: Mark (Katie) Clark and William Clark Jr. Additional nieces and nephews.
Visitation for all friends and family will be held from Thursday, December 16 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa. A celebration will follow at The Parlor (behind Grandon's) 119 Washington, for all to join and share memories from Bill's life. A 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 17, Memorial Service, Valley Church, 4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to support Bill's most passionate charitable organizations. The family will direct the funds in due time in his honor. Memorials should be made out to: Bill Cronin Memorial Fund.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Tributes

Cheryl Bolden wrote on Dec 23, 2021:

"Dear Sue and Phil. I was so sadden to hear of the passing of my classmate. How I loved watching him and Gus holding that line allowing one of the backs to come to that strong side and scamper down the field all those years ago. So proud to see the great contributions that he made to his community. Praying for you all."

Jim Overturf wrote on Dec 16, 2021:

"So sorry to hear about Bills passing. Bill and I were part of the same pledge class with Delta Beta Phi fraternity at William Penn. May the Lord comfort the family during this time. Jim Overturf"

Jack Amble wrote on Dec 16, 2021:

"Sue and Phil, I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a great man and I had the pleasure of knowing him at William Penn. It was nice to re-connect with you and Bill this summer. Again, You have my sympathy. Jack Amble"

Chad Menke wrote on Dec 16, 2021:

"I am so very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I was fortunate to get to know Bill and learn from him through our work with EE/Motorola. Sue and Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. - Chad Menke"

Emory Stewart wrote on Dec 16, 2021:

"It is with heart felt sorry that I post this. I became friends with Bill and Sue at William Penn College. He was a team mate, Delta Beta Phi brother and he served as a groomsman at my wedding. He was a true friend and my heart goes out to his family. May the Lord comfort the family as they go through this most difficult time. Blessings my friend."

Kirk Daddow wrote on Dec 14, 2021:

"I was so sorry to hear of Bill?s passing. Of all the parents I dealt with as the football coach at Ames High I remember him as one of the very best. He was always ready to talk football and could be counted on to do whatever behind-the-scenes work was necessary. He is one person who will be missed by many, many people. "

Denise Logli Jones wrote on Dec 14, 2021:

"Dear Sue, I have thought of you so very often since I heard the shocking news from Barb & my heart is with you. I'm asking & trusting God will give you & your family & every grandchild, strength & comfort & His peace, that passes understanding, during these difficult days you've walked through & are yet to come. Sincerely, Denise Logli Jones"

Mark Ivanovich wrote on Dec 13, 2021:

"I remember playing football with Bill at EHS. He used to pound me into the ground during practice. I will remember Bill fondly. Sue, I am so sorry for your loss - what a remarkable life you had together. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take Care. "

Kathleen Nicholson Moore wrote on Dec 13, 2021:

"Dear Sue, I was saddened to read of Bill?s passing. Please know that I am thinking of you at this sad time. My best to you, Kathy Nicholson Moore"

Emmett and Mary Stevermer wrote on Dec 13, 2021:

"What a remarkable fellow! We are sorry to hear of his passing. Our sympathy to all the Cronin family. Emmett and Mary Stevermer"

Thomas Greenwald wrote on Dec 12, 2021:

"Sue (& family) - I am so saddened to hear of Bill?s passing, & Allison & I pass on our deepest Condolences. What a gentle man, who lived life to the fullest. He touched many lives in Ames & central Iowa, & he will be greatly missed. May you know God?s Grace & Peace during this difficult time. TG "

David Merrill wrote on Dec 11, 2021:

"Thoughts and prayers for the Cronin family from childhood friends, the Merrill?s, dating back to the 1950?s & the West Des Moines drum & bugle corps. Doris Merrill, David, Susan & Barbara."

Steve Hensley wrote on Dec 11, 2021:

"Chris and I feel so fortunate that we met Bill and Sue 10 years ago and were able to become fast friends and do so much together. There are so many good time memories we shared from the frequent dinners to several European trips. Bill and I clicked especially well because of shared values and our east side upbringing and fondness for East High School. The four of us were even married in the same neighborhood church! I have no doubt we will meet up again one day and pick up those golf games we enjoyed so much this year. So long, my friend...we will miss you greatly."

Allison Greenwald wrote on Dec 10, 2021:

"We are so sad to hear of Bill's passing. Way too soon! We will be praying for you, Sue, as you try to navigate without your partner. He was such a good partner! Please accept our sympathies. We'll see you at the Lake. . . Tom and Allison Greenwald"

Jim Rehard wrote on Dec 10, 2021:

"What a wonderful life you shared with Bill, so sorry for your loss. Jim Rehard"

Kristin LaMarre wrote on Dec 10, 2021:

"I know there are no words that will help, so I just want you to know that I am sending my love and thinking of the family. Much love, Kristin LaMarre"

Mr. William G. Koeppel wrote on Dec 10, 2021:

"Ben, our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. We pray that the cherished memories will help assuage the pain and sadness you feel at this time. Remember, tears are the dividends paid for the life of a person who was loved and returned the love. You?re in our prayers. The Koeppel Family "

Mark Fallis wrote on Dec 10, 2021:

"Rest in Peace my fellow Scarlett and GO HAWKS Mark Fallis EHS 71"

Troy Hanne wrote on Dec 9, 2021:

"Very sorry to hear of Mr. Cronin's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Troy and Lisa Hanne"