Jack William Kroonen

Jack William Kroonen, 93 passed away on May 2, 2024 in Corona, CA. He was born on May 14, 1930 in Long Beach, CA to William and Stella Kroonen. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Corona, CA where he attended school and graduated from Corona Senior High School in 1948. He attended Cal Poly State University-San Luis Obispo for one year. Realizing he spent more time playing golf than attending classes he decided not to return. While attending the Pomona Fair in the summer of 1949, he spoke to a recruiter, and joined the Marines within days. While stationed in Quantico, Virginia he met Elaine (Cunliffe-Owen) Kroonen. They were married on April 15, 1953, and had celebrated 70 years of marriage in 2023. After serving our country, he went on to work for Douglas Aircraft. During this time, he was offered an opportunity to work in England on the largest radio telescope. Jack and Elaine took this opportunity to travel all through Europe. They settled in Corona, CA in 1971 and became business owners. They owned Ace Hardware and Ace Lawnmower, along with Fares Industrial Supply until his retirement in 1998.

He was a quiet and humble man, never wanting anyone to fuss over him. He loved his sweetheart and was the main caregiver in the last few years of her life. His love for golf started when his dad introduced him to the game when he was 11 years old. He was a member of different golf clubs and golfed at Jarupa Hills for many years. He loved to travel in their motorhome across the country, visiting every state and of course golfing. They had many fun memories with their Boat and Ski club and was a long time member of the Elks. He was a father figure to his nephew David and niece Erika and a Papa to Emmett, Grant and Sofie. Always having his family over for dinner and swimming, not to mention all the ice cream and desserts.

Jack is survived by his nephew David (Erika) Cunliffe-Owen, great nephews and niece, Emmett, Grant and Sofia Cunliffe-Owen; sister-in-law Beverly (Ron) Cunliffe-Owen; sister-in-law Carol (Bob) Kolb; brother-in-law Phil (Susan) Cunliffe-Owen; sister-in-law Jeannie Truax; Godsons, Todd, Michael, and Paul Guirsch. He is preceded in death by his wife Elaine (Cunliffe-Owen) Kroonen; father William Kroonen; mother Stella (Kroonen) Starr; his many Boston Terriers and extended family and friends.

David and Erika would like to extend a special thank you to Doug and Carleen Sigsbee for their love, care, and being his advocate, always willing to step in and help when we couldn’t. We appreciate you.

To honor his wishes, there will be no service.