Katherine Camille Kroninger

Katherine Camille (Emerson) Kroninger, 80, died of heart failure on October 29, 2022 at home in Oro Valley, AZ where she lived with her husband Gerald (Jerry) Kroninger. Katherine, best known as "Kathy" to her husband and all of her friends, and as "Katie" to her siblings, was born in Milwaukee, WI, on December 16,1941 to William Neuman Emerson and Angeline Ann (Stapko) Emerson. She was the second born and the oldest girl of eight children--four girls and four boys. Kathy is survived by her husband, Gerald; one son, Dennis Edholm, from a previous marriage, who lives with his wife, Amy,and their two sons Jacob and Nathan, in Rochester, MN; siblings Daniel (Mary) Emerson and Stephen (Bonnie) Emerson of Rice Lake, WI; Christine (Donald) Kalla and Elizabeth (David) Lawrence of Ladysmith, WI; Delores (Jim Sokup) Thatcher of Elk Mound, WI and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Angeline Emerson October 1978, William Emerson Sr. August 1981, William Emerson Jr. December 2020 and Michael A. Emerson of San Diego October 21, 2022. Kathy married Jerry, in Chester County, PA, on April 24, 1993. They met in a hiking club in West Chester, PA, and that became their major recreational activity through most of their 29 years of married life. Kathy and Jerry moved to Oro Valley, AZ,in 2012, and apart from hiking, their three other interests were traveling, doing volunteer work, mostly for Interfaith Community Services, and church. Kathy, who was raised Catholic and remained a devout, practicing Catholic throughout her life, immediately became an active member of St. Mark Catholic church in Oro Valley. Although not a member, Jerry joined the choir at St. Mark in 2013 and both attended many Bible studies held in the church. Kathy attended regularly and was a part of the Rosary group. Kathy's smile, generous spirit and amiable manner will be missed by her family and friends, but she is no longer in pain and has gone to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to Care Net Pregnancy Resource Centers (aka Choices Health Network), 1108 Port Arthur Rd., Ladysmith, WI 54848 or online at www.care-net.org. A memorial mass will be held Saturday May 13, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Dobie, WI, with a luncheon to follow and interment at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Rice Lake, WI. Appleyard's Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting the family with the arrangements.