"Mom died almost one year ago. I miss her very much. I think of her every day. I have solace knowing she is with God and enjoying the company of family and friends."
In loving memory of
Ann Marie Cronin Bock
July 8, 1924 - February 12, 2022
A Funeral Mass for Ann Cronin Bock will be Saturday, February 19, at 11:00 am at Pax Christi Catholic Church in Rochester with her son, the Rev. Michael Cronin as the main presider, the Reverends Timothy Biren, James Burns, Philip Juza, Anthony Ciorra, and John Sauer, concelebrating, along with priests of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, in the presence of its Bishop, the Most Rev. John M. Quinn. Mass will also be live-streamed beginning at 10:45 am on the parish livestream link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT_44oo8upI&list=PL_aIeGCWzv09QaGIWlcwxTFKe5ms1Srcc&index=17 Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Mrs. Bock, 97, a native of New Ulm, Minnesota, and retired registered dietitian at Rochester Methodist Hospital (Mayo Clinic), died Saturday at Benedictine Living Community-Madonna Towers, with her family by her side. Her hope and wish for a peaceful death was realized. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, her parents, sister Mary Ellen Little, and brother William (Billy) Puchner. In addition to her children, she is survived by her sister, Carol Rauch, and other relatives and friends.
Ann Marie Puchner was born July 8, 1924, in New Ulm to William "Flip" and Thecla (Eibner) Puchner. She grew up in New Ulm and worked at Eibner's, the family restaurant and bakery. She graduated from the College of St. Teresa in Winona in 1946. She began her dietetics career in the internship program at St. Mary's Hospital alongside friend Sr. Generose Gervais, OSF, and later worked at Rochester Methodist Hospital until her retirement from the Mayo Clinic in 1985. She married Paul R. Cronin of Rochester in 1954. He owned and operated the Cronin and Son Funeral Home until his death in 1972. In 1987, Mrs. Cronin married Donald F. Bock, a real estate developer, and lived in Omaha until returning to Rochester in 2012. Mr. Bock died in 2016.
Ann is survived by her children, Mark Cronin; Maureen (Mark) Earp; Mary Jo Paulson; Marcie (Joe) Becker; Monica Cronin; Maggie (Tim) McWilliams, and the Rev. Michael Cronin; thirteen grandchildren-Karen Bauer, Mindy (Thor) Howe, Corissa (David) Moos, Patrick Becker, Chet (Hannah) Paulson, Catherine (Matt) Potter, Maria (Zach) Carron, Kelli Earp (Garrett), Anna (Chris) Captain, Meghan McWilliams (Cody), John Paul Becker, Melissa McWilliams, and Emily Copeland; twelve great grandchildren-Faith, Dylan, Vienna, Adelyn, Roman, Levi, Elliana, Emmy, Ruby, Beckett, Margot, and Conrad.
Ann enjoyed world travel, winters in Arizona and California, golf (Hole In One Award, Callaway Golf, March 15, 1998, Omaha Country Club), playing cards, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, listening to music, Wii bowling, and studying and trying new recipes. She was always eager to be out and about exploring and doing things. Ann was an active resident at Madonna Towers and participated in many activities. Most recently she spent a long weekend in Hayward, Wisconsin, attending her granddaughter's wedding, celebrating Thanksgiving in Lakeville and Christmas in Winona. She also recently welcomed two new great grandchildren.
Ann made friends easily. She woke up early each day and lived each day to its fullest. She loved listening to music at home especially the former KNXR and most recently iHeart Radio. She was an avid "techie" and enjoyed her iPhone, tablet and desktop computers, and most recently Apple TV and Netflix. She loved to FaceTime.
Ann was a quiet yet strong woman of faith and classy in every way. Living at Madonna Towers she was patient and filled with kindness and grace and a joyous sense of humor. She loved the staff and was always interested in learning about their lives. She often said that she enjoyed a good life, was thankful to God, and wished for a peaceful death. Ann had a deep appreciation and trust in her care at the Mayo Clinic and often said "Mayo saved my life a few times!"
The family wishes to extend their thanks to Ann's primary care physician, Dr. William Ward, for his compassionate and professional care over the years, and other physicians and caregivers. The family is grateful to the thoughtful and caring staff at Madonna Towers. She appreciated their dedication and friendship on a daily basis. Mayo Hospice staff assured that Ann had quality and supportive care along the way and their work at the very end was extraordinary.
Ann will be missed by many friends, but most of all by her children, grandchildren, and many residents and staff at Madonna Skilled Nursing. She was filled with wise sayings (perseverance is the key to success) and frequently prayed Hail Mary's and the Serenity Prayer.
May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed Rest In Peace.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Poverello Fund at the Mayo Clinic, Mayo Hospice, the Sisters of St. Francis at Assisi Heights, and Madonna Towers.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is assisting the family with all arrangements. Masks are recommended.
Tributes
"I miss you Mom but I?m glad that you got your wish for a peaceful death. You lived an amazing life, you have changed me forever, and I shall never forget you. I feel like the luckiest person on earth to have a Mom like you."
"Cronin family my heartfelt sympathy to you all. I remember your mom from growing up just down the street from you and got her short time at The Waters on Mayowood where my mom was also. We?d have a number of visits there during their weekly social hour. She was a wonderful lady and May her soul Rest In Peace. "
"Fr. Mike and Cronin family, our condolences on the loss of your mom. Our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Katie (Ulwelling) Scott and the Ulwelling families."
"Dr. Mike and Cronin family, our condolences on the loss of your mom. Our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Katie (Ulwelling) Scott and the Ulwelling families."
"Dear Maureen and Cronin Family- My sorrow to you all on your loss of your mom. It is so hard. Know she is with her heavenly Father and family. Maureen I haven't seen you since we graduated but that does not mean I haven't thought of you from time to time. Bless you and peace to you. Your Classmate and friend Jeanne(Trusty) Vehrenkamp ?"
" to the Cronin family! sending my love to all of you, take good care of each other , i work my week-end on the 19th so i might not be able to be there, so iam sending big hugs to all of you.. i always enjoyed each one of you. i remember seeing you at perkins what a treat.. much love, Laurie(Rouss)"
"Michael, I did not know your mother but if I did, I am sure that you and her were alike!! Her obituary says it all. Knowing you , and your Aunt Mary I know that you will all see each other once again serving the Lord!! Peace and love to you and your family. Flossie Lund"
"Sincere condolences from the Otto family. We have many happy memories from the years of being your neighbor. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cronins today and always."