Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Cronk, Kelly Scott 2015
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Sandy Heintzelman sheintz@iserv.net December 24, 2017, 6:56 am

Ionia Shopper's Guide, 5 Sep 2015

Kelly Scott Cronk disappeared from our lives rather suddenly, certainly
unexpectedly, and very sadly on September 1, 2015.  Kelly’s life of exploration
and adventure on the earth began on July 23rd 1958, coincidentally the same year
that the U.S. launched Explorer1 to begin space exploration.  But his
explorations, at least to friends and family, were by far the more fascinating,
and legendary.  Ironically, it was not the paddle across the Mackinaw Straits
three weeks ago at midnight, not those three weeks living on the edge in
Honduras, not riding bicycle for weeks across the U.P., not hitchhiking across
Nebraska cornfields as a teen, not his passion for jumping out of planes, not on
a speeding motorcycle or muscle car, but rather an internal malady in the brain
that took him from us.

Through all his adventures, Kelly was an integral part of three families.  From
the first iteration, he is survived by his mother Jean Holther who was there
with and loving him from his first breath to his last, as well as three
siblings, Kammi, Kevin, and Kip, who shared the joys and growing pains of
childhood with him.  He was preceded in death by his baby sister Kacee who he
was incredibly fond of, and his father Richard Cronk who Kelly supported
lovingly until the end.  From life’s next phase, Kelly is survived by three
children Jared, James and Janee who always loved and never gave up on him, as
well as their seven children (grandchildren).  From his third family, Kelly is
survived by his two girls who adored him, Amber and Ashley, plus one grandchild.
 And it would be remiss not to mention his girlfriend Cher who in his last years
was his dear companion and fellow adventurer, who sat steadfast at his side at
the end and would not leave him, as well as a multitude of aunts, uncles,
cousins and friends who were in some way touched by him.  In his last days, an
unbelievable number of people came to show their love and support for him –
being a rebel and loner, we know Kelly would have been outwardly aghast, but
inwardly touched and appreciative.

Kelly was both mechanically inclined and artistic, writing music one moment and
switching out an engine the next.  On the artistic side, he drew, etched
mirrors, was a photographer, a musician, and a composer. On the
mechanical/professional side, he drove semis, remodeled homes, farmed, and
adeptly did so much more.  Kelly was athletic and passionate about the outdoors
– kayaking, biking, kicking footbag, and photographing the natural world among
his favorite things.

Shortly before his demise, Kelly did the unexpected and dressed in a tuxedo to
walk his daughter down the aisle.  However, for the most part, he had little
interest in ceremony.  Thus, respecting his wishes, there will not be a funeral
service.  Please send any donations in Kelly’s name to local charities, keeping
in mind his love of the outdoors and animals.  Kelly will be dearly missed, but
we know his spirit soars above us now, kayaking through the skies with wild
sparkle in his eye.


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