Francis Kronenberg

Beloved husband, father of three, grandfather of six, great grandfather of twenty, and dear friend passed away very peacefully at home on May 21, 2008 at the age of 95. Fran was a loving husband to Peggy for 63 years; a devoted father to three children, Karen, James and John. Fran was the proud grandfather to six and great grandfather to twenty great grandchildren. Fran was born and raised in the Oakland, California area. Following the completion of his education and the receipt of his degree in mechanical engineering in 1935, he began his career with Caterpillar Inc. Fran had 43 continuous years of service with Caterpillar until his retirement in 1978. Fran was a very successful and dedicated mechanical design engineer and was awarded 5 US Patents for Caterpillar for the designs of transmission, clutch and brake components.Fran had many hobbies including woodworking, designing gadgets, electronics, orchid cultivation and traveling. He particularly loved ocean cruises, and he took 4 cruises I the last 3 years with his dear friend and devoted caregiver, Jolene Fountain. Fran is survived by his sisters Ann and Kay along with extended family members in California.Fran was a very honorable and devout man and will be truly missed by all that knew him.A Memorial Service will be held at 5:00pm, Friday, June 6, 2008 at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC. The family will receive friends from 4 pm until 6pm at the funeral home. Interment will be at 2:00 pm, Friday, June 27, 2008 at Resurrection Cemetery in Peoria, Illinois.