Eugene “Gene” S. Cronkhite, 83, of Otsego died May 4, 2019, at Wings Home in Allegan.
Gene will be lovingly remembered by his son Kelly J. Cronkhite, his daughter/son-in-law Lorie and Mike Bartz, his granddaughters McKensie and Samantha and several nieces and nephews.
He attended Otsego High School and was a veteran of the United States Army where he finished his high school academics, received the good conduct medal and served his time in Alaska.
For many years Gene worked for Michigan Cottage Cheese and retired from Yoplait USA where he was a member of the Teamsters and Union Steward.
For most of his life he enjoyed gardening, hunting, playing cards, dancing, time at the casino, and spending time at the Elks and VFW.
Gene was preceded in death by his father Ivan; mother Elsie Berry; wife and first love of 40 years Judy; his siblings, Donna Walters and Jim Cronkhite; Bev Gauthier who was the second love of his life of almost 20 years; his sister-in-law Sharalyn Davis and brother-in-law Carl Walters.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Wings Home and Wings of Hope Hospice for their compassionate care during the final last few months of his life. At Gene’s request cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will be at a later date with his children and grandchildren.
In honor of Gene, contributions may be made to Wings Home of Allegan.
The family welcomes memories and messages online at www.winkelfuneralhome.com.
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