Adeline C. Crownhart
Adeline Clarissa Schober Crownhart, 93, of Elmwood, died Saturday March 21, 2015 at the Heritage of Elmwood Nursing Home in Elmwood.
Adeline was born December 1, 1921, in Little Arkansaw Valley, Town of Waterville, Pepin County to August L. and Ida Grace (Sweeney) Schober. Upon the death of both parents, she and her four younger brothers were raised in Eau Galle by their maternal grandfather, John Sweeney, and housekeepers (most notable Lena Michelbook and Johanna Geraets Helmueller).
Adeline graduated from the Eau Galle State Graded School in 1936 and Durand High School in 1940. Following graduation, she worked in Sinz’s Mercantile in Eau Galle and kept house for her grandfather and younger brothers.
Adeline married Frank Crownhart on June 19, 1945 at St. Henry Church in Eau Galle. They farmed a 320-acre dairy farm on County Road G in the Towns of Spring Lake and Rock Elm, Pierce County, and raised a family of five children. Upon retirement in 1979, Adeline and Frank moved into the village of Elmwood. Adeline worked at the Heritage of Elmwood Nursing Home for 12 years, eventually becoming head of the housekeeping department for 8 years. She also did housekeeping at the Sacred Heart Church and rectory for 18 years. Most recently, Adeline and Frank were residents of Welcome Home Assisted Living since 2010 and most recently was a resident of the Heritage of Elmwood for the past five months.
Adeline’s life revolved around the farm and her family, but she was also active in community and church activities. She served as secretary, county newspaper correspondent, and hostess coordinator for the Elmwood Senior Citizens group. She was treasurer, dining room chair, and group chair of the Sacred Heart Altar and Rosary Society, taught religious education, and served on the Pastoral Council. In 2002, she was honored as the “Woman of Light” among 14 area Catholic parishes in recognition of her ongoing dedicated church work. She enjoyed keeping scrapbooks since 1938 and a daily diary since 1950, loved to write letters and send cards, enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing, embroidery and making rag rugs and quilts, and collected stamps for 35 years. She was the family historian and in 2003, her memoirs were recorded in a book entitled, “A Very Rewarding Life.” The highest compliment that can be made to Adeline is that she was a friend to all and loved to entertain—her door and kitchen table were always open to everyone.
Adeline is survived by sons David of Denver, Colorado and Daniel (Carlota) of Patzcuaro, Mexico; daughters Kathleen (David) Krings of Lakeville, Minn. and Jean (Dick) Zeithaml of Eau Claire; grandson Jacob (Mandi) Krings of Maple Grove, Minn.; granddaughter Jenna Krings of Minnetonka, Minn.; great-grandchildren Mason and Paige Krings of Maple Grove, Minn.; sisters-in-law Virginia Schober of Menomonie and Veronica Schober of Woodbury, Minn.; special friend Marge Leehe, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; husband Frank in 2012; a daughter, Mary Crownhart; five brothers, Kenneth, Bernard, James (Ingrid), Joseph (in infancy), and Adrian Schober; two brothers-in-law, Philip (Lucille) Crownhart and Robert (Ginger) Crownhart; and four sisters-in-law, Catherine (Boots) Plon, Agnes (Vernon) Rhiel, Marian (Ralph) Rhiel, and Dorothy (Charles) Disse.
Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Thursday March 26, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood with Rev. Varkey V. Joseph officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Elmwood and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.