Lawrence Cronin Jr.

Lawrence (Larry) Cronin, Jr, (94) of Clear Lake, Iowa finished the race on August 19, 2018 in Mason City, Iowa and now rests in eternal Glory. He was born in Boone, Iowa on September 14, 1923. He was a man of faith, a decorated Marine, a committed husband, caring father and beloved grandfather. He was employed by Meredith Printing as a lead pressman for nearly 45 years and retired in 1986. He served on the board of directors for Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines and was President of the Clear Lake Senior Citizens Center for 17 years. He also enjoyed volunteering with Toys for Tots. Larry was part of the North Iowa Marine Corps League.

Larry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1942. He served with the 5th Marines/28th Division and fought in The Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. He proudly served his country from December 1, 1942 until January 16, 1946. He obtained the rank of Corporal and was awarded The Purple Heart. Larry had tremendous pride for the USMC. “Once a Marine, always a Marine” – Semper Fi.

Raised during the Great Depression, Larry learned the value of hard work, discipline and the importance of family. He was blessed with 7 children and their spouses, 19 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Larry and his wife, Ruth (Schartner) Cronin (deceased 2010) were married June 12, 1946. Together, they left a legacy that spanned over many generations. The immediate family members include: Connie (Rowley) and Jim, Pleasant Hill, Iowa; Diana (Boyd) and Ken, Lees Summit, MO; Bill and Sue Cronin, Ames, Iowa; Phil and Vickie Cronin, Johnston, Iowa; Debi Stoll, Vancouver, WA; Bob and Diane Cronin, Urbandale, Iowa, and Jeff and Sheila Cronin, Urbandale, Iowa He also leaves behind his faithful dog, Lucky.

Larry remarried in 2012 to Avalon Ridder of Clear Lake, Iowa, where they made their home. Avalon provided love and companionship along with a flair for keeping things fun and entertaining. Larry’s last 8 months were spent at Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City, Iowa. A special thank you to the staff of Good Shepherd as well as the team at Hospice of North Iowa for their care.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Harriett Cronin; two sisters, Nadine Suddeth and Mercedes Paulin, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. A visitation and memorial service will be held August 23, 2018 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens at 121 NW 60th Ave, Des Moines. Visitation will be at 10:00 am followed by the service at 11:00 am. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Memorial contributions should be made to Blank Children’s Hospital; Faith Baptist Church of Mason City, Iowa, or Toys for Tots.

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