Carl Alvin Kron

Carl Alvin Kron (96) entered into rest January 9, 2013 in Moses Lake. He was born July 19, 1916 in Loup City, Nebraska; the oldest of six children and grew up on the family farm. In 1934, the middle of the Dust Bowl years, the family moved to Richland, WA. At the age of 19, he went to Prairie City, OR to work for the Cougar Mine. He started by cutting wood but soon became a jigger boss (head of a crew). He also worked at the Ben Harrison Mine, OR and the Walker Mine, CA. Carl and a hoist man visited Grand Coulee Dam and decided they wanted to get a closer look. Carl ran a jackhammer preparing the hillsides for construction of the dam. Carl married Anna Long of Richland, WA on August 15, 1937 in Reno, NV, returning to Prosser, WA to farm. They were married over 68 years until Anna's passing in 2006. In 1939, he went to Lind, WA for a harvest job with Hugh Phillips. The following year he and Anna moved to Lind. In 1943, he leased ground from Hugh and spent the next 27 years farming. Carl learned to fly in 1942, and was a pilot for 37 years, owning several different airplanes. In 1957, he began an aerial spraying business with Bill Phillips. He bought out his partner and ran the business until 1979. Flying was Carl's passion. It provided travel opportunities for his family, including flying to Washington DC in 1953 during his term as President of the Washington Flying Farmers. He shared his love of flying by providing many people with their first airplane ride. Carl and Anna moved to Broadway Estates in Moses Lake, WA in 1983. He assisted with the maintenance of the park and became the Assistant Manager, a position he held until moving into Hearthstone Assisted Living Center in 2012. They enjoyed several years traveling around the country in RVs and wintering in Arizona. Carl was a life member of the Masonic Lodge, and a 32nd degree Shriner and life member of the El Katif Shrine Temple in Spokane, WA. He had a special place in his heart for the Shriner's Hospitals and helped place a child for care. Carl said that even as a young child he always wanted to know how things worked. He was known as an engineer, designer, builder, and inventor, working out of his well-equipped and maintained shop. Most of all he was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was very proud of his entire family and was thankful for the opportunities he was able to provide his family and others. Carl was a man of integrity and good humor, always willing to help others. He enjoyed people and was happiest when visiting with family and friends, and was lovingly known for holding up his end of the conversation. His wife Anna, his brother and three sisters preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughter Verla (Gary) Steffler of Moses Lake, his son Curtis (Karen) Kron of Boise, ID, two grandsons, two granddaughters, five great-grand children, and a great-great grandson. His sister Anna of Grandview also survives him. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 19 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lind Cemetery. Following the service, everyone is invited to a time of sharing and a light lunch at Slim's in Lind. There will be a remembrance gathering at 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Hearthstone Assisted Living Center, 905 S. Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA for anyone wishing to attend. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Shriner's Hospital, 911 W. 5th Ave., Spokane, WA 99204. Condolences may be left at www.danekasfuneralhome.org.