Barbara J. Cronk

Barbara Jean Cronk of Kalamazoo passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, December 7th, 2024, after a short bout with pneumonia. She was 97 years old, born on May 5th of 1927. Barbara was preceded in death by her mother and father (Gladys May and William “Buster” Cronk), her brothers (Robert and David Cronk), and her sister Marcille Rynd. She is survived by her younger sister Shirley Ann Neal, her two nephews Tim Cronk and Doug Neal and her niece Julie Cronk. Barbara grew up on her family farm in Texas Township and graduated from Mattawan High School. Barbara then worked for The Upjohn Company for 35 years, first on a production line and later as an early computer programmer and code writer, working with Assembler languages like Fortran and COBOL. She enjoyed golf, bowling and loved spending time and snowmobiling at her cabin in Irons, Michigan. Friendships and family were very important to her, and she loved these social get-togethers. Her Catholic Faith was at the core of her week, as well.

Friends may gather with Barbara’s family on Sunday, December 15th, from 2:00-4:00 PM, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Location, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, where her funeral service will be held on Monday, December 16th at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park, South.

Donations in memory of Barbara may be made to Loaves & Fishes or to the Michigan Audubon Society.

Please share memories of Barbara with her family at www.langelands.com