Jerome Patrick Cronin

Jerome Patrick Cronin

Mendota Heights, MN - Jerome Patrick Cronin, age 77, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026.

Born April 21, 1948, Jerry was raised in Leader, MN, the second of 8 sons to Patrick and Lorine (Vogel) Cronin. He attended a one-room schoolhouse until high school. He studied drafting and machining at Staples Technical School before making his way to St. Paul to work for 3M, living in White Bear Lake. He was a draftsman and did work he could always be proud of, including contributing to the design of the RTG and other components used by NASA during the Apollo missions and the Alyeska Pipeline.

While still working at 3M, he attended the University of Minnesota in the evenings, earning his mechanical engineering degree. He put that degree to good use designing products and assembly machines, including video tape coating machines that he continually refined to run faster and more efficiently.

Mid-career, Jerry transferred to Hutchinson, MN, and made his home in Cokato, MN. He was an active member of his community, serving on the city council and as a member of the Lions Club. He also devoted time to his faith, serving on the parish council and building committee for the Educational Center at St. John's Catholic Church in Darwin. After more than 34 years, he retired from 3M. In retirement, he found purpose in volunteering as a conservator for the court and guardian, and he took great joy in his time with the "Old Geezers Club."

Jerry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Nothing mattered more to him than his children and grandsons. He was a lifelong learner who loved reading and history. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, genealogy, stained glass, concertina, painting, wood carving, and woodworking. He crafted a rocking horse for each of his four grandchildren along with other toys.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Linda; sons Jeff (Jocelyn) Cronin and Terry (Karie) Cronin; daughter Kara (Ben) Schaffhausen; grandchildren Darin (Natalie), Shawn (Grace), Tyler, and Tristan; brothers Norb (Darlene) Cronin, Clarence (Anne) Cronin, and Neal (Cindy) Cronin, sister-in-law Coralee Cronin; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Lorine (Vogel) Cronin; brothers Laverne, Duane, Lawrence and Norman; and grandchild Sammy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on May 20th, 2026, at 11am at the Church of St Peter in Mendota, with a visitation prior at 10am. Arrangements are entrusted to Willwerscheid Funeral Home, St. Paul.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St Jude Children's Research or Wounded Warrior Project in Jerry's memory.

To borrow the words of those who knew him best: "I don't care what they say about you, Jerry Cronin - you're all right."