Myles "Red" Sylvester Cronin

Red Cronin, 88, passed away on Tuesday, May 24, 2011. Services will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Ave, West Des Moines. Visitation on Thursday, May 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a rosary at 6:30 p.m.; and the funeral mass on Friday, May 27 at 10:30 a.m.

Born on February 11, 1923 in Waucoma, IA to John and Mae Cronin, Red graduated from Decorah High School. He married the love of his life, Maxine Walsh on May 23, 1944. Red and his bride stayed in Decorah where he worked for 7Up Bottling Co. of Iowa until they were transferred to Cedar Falls in 1952. In 1955 the company transferred them to Des Moines where he was a loyal employee until he retired as a Vice President of Mid-Continent Bottling Co. in 1979.

Red had many interests; he was a volunteer personified, helping anyone in need. He volunteered by driving cancer patients to treatment, the Red Barrel program, and Meals on Wheels to name a few. He also found time to play cards with his friends, golf, and his greatest joy, spending time with his beloved family. Red was also a member of Sacred Heart Church, Des Moines Golf and Country Club, Golden K Kiwanis and Ancient Order of the Hibernians.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 67 years, Maxine; daughter, Phyllis (Ron) Foster; son, Michael Cronin; daughters, Kathleen Cronin, Mary Jo (Rick) Davis, and Maureen (Ray) Fielder; 12 grandchildren; 13-1/2 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Henry of Decorah; uncle, Sylvester Carolan of Decorah; many nieces, nephews, cousins and untold friends. There to meet Red will be his parents; grandson, Jamie; brothers, Harold, Philip and John; aunts, uncles, and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Sacred Heart Church. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

The family would like to thank the trauma team and critical care unit at Iowa Methodist Medical Center for the warm and compassionate care that Red received.

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