William Kay Cronquist

William “Bill” Kay Cronquist passed away on August 5^th, 2023 at the age of 90. He was born August 4^th, 1933 to Heber Carl and Celia Cronquist in Benson, Utah. Bill was a devoted and loving husband, and father. He had great love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was born in his parents’ home because in those days’ doctors made house calls. He was the third child in a family of 6 children: Pauline, Idella, Joyce, Jerry, and Carl. Bill’s father, Heber Cronquist, owned a dairy farm on the banks of the Bear River where he worked on the farm for over 30 years. He said that life was hard and demanding and the work was never-ending. He worked on the farm 7 days a week.

                Bill attended Cache County School District as a child and graduated from North Cache High School in 1952. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in the Korean War for four years. During this time Bill was stationed in Hawaii and worked as a mechanic.

                After returning home from the Navy, Bill returned to work on the Cronquists’ dairy farm until health problems forced him to change occupations. While working on the farm, Bill raised and trained border collies, which helped him with the farm work. Bill always said: “You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy.”

                Bill then attended Utah State University where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Bill worked in the public school system for 32 years and worked at Springville Jr. High. He loved working with students and helping them whenever and however he could.

                Bill loved his wife, Linda. They were a devoted couple in marriage. Linda was the center of his life and he said that she was more than his wife, she was his best friend. They were married 46 years when Linda passed away, and he missed her every day.

                Bill loved his three children: Mike, Angie, and Chad. He was very proud of them and their many accomplishments, and especially for the love and devotion they had for the gospel. He also loved the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a devoted member all his life, serving in many callings. He enjoyed and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were all special to him and he enjoyed playing games with them and teasing them. He always looked forward to and treasured the time he spent with his family. He said: “I have a wonderful family and I’m very thankful for the love and support they freely gave me.”

                As we reflect back on the legacy of his life, his character was one of a kind. He left an eternal landmark that will be cherished forever. He was a man full of great compassion, wisdom, and knowledge he loved to share not only with his family, but also with others. He always spoke about the importance of family and said: “You don’t have anything if you don’t have your family.” 

                Bill was inspiring and taught us how to be brave, to believe in ourselves. If he gave you his word, he would never let you down. He was a giant amongst men! We will be forever grateful for the blessing of having this caring, inspiring, and compassionate man as our mortal father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

                The family would like to extend their greatest love and appreciation to all those at Whisper Cove, The Charlston, and Always Best Care for their kind, loving service they provided. 

                Bill is survived by his children Michael D. Cronquist (Patricia), Angela Larsen (Brad), and Chad W. Cronquist (Mindy); his siblings Joyce Olson, Pauline Thain, Idella Stockwell, and Jerry Cronquist; his mother-in-law LaVone Yeates, sister-in-law Leslie Yeates; 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sweetheart Linda Yeates Cronquist, father Heber Cronquist, mother Celia Cronquist, brother Carl Cronquist, father-in-law Lowell Yeates, brother-in-law Don Olsen, and sister-in-law Patty Egan.

                Graveside services will be held Friday, August 11, 2023. The viewing will be at the Sundberg Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State Street Orem, Utah from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m. at the Orem City Cemetery 1520 North 800 East Orem, Utah.

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