Ishpeming – Lloyd H. Kroon, age 84, of 2300 Co. Rd. PPO in Tilden Twp. passed away on Wednesday Nov. 17, 2010 at the Marquette Co. Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming where he had resided since this past Friday.


Lloyd was born September 2, 1926 in Ishpeming the son of the late Ellsworth and Selma (Pelto) Kroon. He was a graduate of the National Mine High School, Class of 1944. Lloyd served in the United States Army during World War II in the 15th Infantry division, in the Philippines, always joking that the Japanese surrendered when they heard he was slated to head that way. Following the War, Lloyd returned to this area, he owned and operated the Kroon Forest Products logging business since 1948, retiring due to his health in 1996. He married Patricia Pietro on his birthday 60 years ago, and often said it was the best present he ever received.

Lloyd was a member of the Michigan Association of Timbermen and the Timber Producers Association of Michigan and Wisconsin. He was also a member of the Faith Lutheran Church, the Ishpeming Lions Club and the Ishpeming V.F.W. Post #4573. Even as his health deteriorated, his sense of humor always stayed with him. Lloyd enjoyed the simple pleasures in life which included fly-fishing for brook trout, deer hunting, and attending Sunday morning service with the guy's at Bena's.


Survivors include his wife Patricia (Pietro) Kroon of Ishpeming, a son Douglas (Debra) Kroon of Ishpeming, 2 daughters - Donna (Howard) Kroon-Harris of Ishpeming and Pam (Mike) Boone of Ishpeming, along with 6 grandchildren – Charlie (Sarah) Kroon, Jennifer Barringer, Melissa Harris, Harmony Michaud, Brandon Michaud and Mike Boone, a great granddaughter Lauren, and several nieces and nephews.


The family will greet relatives and friends from 1:00 – 2:00pm on Saturday Nov. 20, 2010 at the Faith Lutheran Church. A memorial service will follow at 2:00pm at the Faith Lutheran Church with the Rev. Kenneth Lahners to officiate.


The following poem was one of Lloyd's favorites -

The old man reached the Pearly Gate,
His head was bent and low,
He meekly asked the Man of Fate
The way that he should go.
"What have you done," St. Peter said,
"That I should let you in?"
For he saw the old man raise his head
As he glimpsed what lay within.
"Oh, some on earth can prove their worth,
And some are of the Blood,
But most can only do their best,
Like me – I dealt in pulpwood."
"Not pulpwood!" St. Peter gasped aloud,
And quickly pressed the bell.
Come right in and choose your harp,
You've had your share of hell!"