Stanley Jerome Krontz Sr.

Stanley Jerome Krontz, Sr., age 91, of Thomson, IL, passed away March 26, 2025 at MercyOne Hospital, in Clinton, IA. A graveside memorial service will be held Saturday, May 3, at Lower York Cemetery, in Thomson, at 1 p.m. A celebration of life will follow at Manny’s Pizza, in Savanna, IL, at 2 p.m.

Stan was born July 4, 1933, in Sturgis, MI, the son of William and Dorothy (Lough) Krontz. He grew up in Sturgis, attending local schools. In 1950, Stan enlisted in the United States Navy. He became an underwater demolition team (UDT) member, a unit that was the precursor to the Navy Seals of today, and served in the Korean War.

On May 30, 1953, Stan married Elizabeth (Betty) Hudson, who was a best friend of his sister. During his military career, they moved from state to state, per his Navy orders. Following his honorable discharge, Stan and Betty moved their family back to Sturgis, where Stan operated a demolitions business for a few years before trying his hand at boat building.

During a boat show in Chicago, Stan was made aware of the beauty, and boat sales potential of the upper Mississippi River. He visited the area and soon he and Betty were off on their next adventure. They moved to Thomson, where Stan would assemble pontoon boats in his yard, and sell them to local boaters.

It wasn’t long before Stan decided to search for a new career path, and he was hired as a custodian for the Caterpillar plant in Davenport. This man, who never attended high school, worked his way up in the company, earning his G.E.D., and ultimately rising to a computer operations position. After 24 years with CAT, including a few at their Peoria facility, Stan retired.

The next chapter of Stan’s life was full of motorhome trips with Betty, and lots of hours sitting in bleachers, cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always loved the outdoors, so hunting, fishing, and boating were regular activities. Ever-proud of his military service, Stan felt privileged to participate in an Honor Flight, was active in the local VFW, and enjoyed participating in Veteran’s Day talks at local schools.

He had a charitable side to him as well, especially when it came to children. He regularly played the role of Santa during the Christmas season, and was fondly known locally as “Mr. Quarters”; routinely offering a quarter to children at his favorite local restaurants so they could, “go get [themselves] a gumball.”

Stan will be dearly missed by his five sons, Stanley (Becky) Krontz, Jr., of Mackinaw, IL, Michael (Linda) Krontz, of Thomson, IL, Alan (Cindy) Krontz, of Edwardsville, IL, Kevin (Melissa) Krontz, of Fulton, IL, and Phillip (Janette) Krontz, of Polo, IL; two daughters, Rebecca (Stephen) Atherton, of Thomson, IL and Laura Banks, of North Aurora, IL; 20 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Cora Krontz; and a brother, William Krontz. Stan is preceded in death by his parents, William and Dorothy; wife, Betty; son, Thomas Krontz; and siblings, Bob, Martha, Kenny, Shirley, and Jack.