Matt Kronberger

Matt J Kronberger, 98, of Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away peacefully at home in the comfort of his loving family on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.  

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, June 24, at Ascension Catholic Church, 1905 S 3rd St, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Burial will be held at 12:00 PM, Monday, June 26, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Matt J Kronberger was born on July 6, 1924, in Selfridge, ND, to John R and Gertrude (Grundhauser) Kronberger. He attended school in Selfridge and graduated from high school in New England, ND.  Matt served in WWII as a radioman in the United States Navy.

Matt met his loving wife of 72 years, Lorraine (Kearns) Kronberger, at a dance in Bismarck, ND. They were married by Father Feehan on April 8, 1948, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and made their home in Bismarck where their seven children were born. 

Matt spent his working career in the railroad industry and retired after 40 years of service.  He worked as a conductor for the Soo Line Railroad in the earlier years when trains hauled both passengers and freight and in later years as a brakeman. 

In 1969, the family moved to Thief River Falls, MN, where Matt was transferred with the Soo Line Railroad.  Matt and Lorraine enjoyed music together and danced weekly at the local Elks Club for many years.  In more recent years, he earned recognition for being the oldest member in attendance.  Their family adventures included trips to the west coast in a Ford station wagon as well as many camping and fishing trips to area lakes.

When Matt retired from the railroad in 1986, they moved back to Bismarck.  Matt and Lorraine enjoyed retirement and were often surrounded by their children and their families.  Get togethers usually included card games, trying new foods and playing music.  Their Christian faith was an important part of their lives and marriage, along with their favorite pew at the Ascension Catholic Church. 

Matt is survived by his children, Renee (Robert) Haag, Brenda Johnson, Dale, Charles, Carla and Deanne (Kevin) Mahon, and grandchildren, Cami, Andrew, Brie, Ryan, Kelly, Renny, Melissa, Jenny, Brad, Matthew, Chad and Jace, and several great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 72 years, Lorraine, a son, Wayne, grandchildren, Brian, Lindsay and Kevin, his parents and his ten siblings.