Anita Kay Cronstrom

Published July 03, 2020 at 9:14 AM

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Anita Kay Cronstrom. Surrounded by her family, she peacefully left us on June 30th, 2020 - her 81st birthday.

Kay was born in North Dakota, but spent the majority of her life in Superior, WI. After graduating from Superior Central High, she moved to Minneapolis “the big city” to spread her wings. However, she soon realized that she missed her true love and moved back to marry her high school sweetheart, James (Jim) Cronstrom.

Married for over 50 years, Jim and Kay devoted their life to successfully running the family business, Cronstrom’s Supper Club, and raising two daughters. After selling the restaurant, Kay was proud to earn her Real Estate License and also work in private Home Healthcare.

Kay loved orange pop, playing cards, brownies from Kwik Trip, and lemon meringue pie. She could not drive by a garage sale without stopping, and always bought something she didn’t need (but had to have). Kay fully embraced life and would light up with joy when around friends, family, and especially her grandchildren. She was an avid bowler, loved Bingo, and seemed to always win our domino games. She was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Kay is survived by her husband Jim; daughters, Michelle (Dirk) Johnson of Scottsdale, AZ and Nicolle (Mike) Olness of Superior; grandchildren, Bella and Aiden Olness; step-grandchildren, Danielle and Allison Johnson; brothers and sisters, Richard (Beverly) Dietrich, Jerry (Doreen) Dietrich, David (Joanne) Dietrich, Judy Lohse, Jane Maki, and Bobby (Lori) Dietrich; Aunt and BFF, Ann Loe; and many nieces and nephews.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Violet and Lorenz Dietrich.

Due to the current pandemic, a private service will be held at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N 19th Street.

Because they helped her recover in time to dance at her daughter’s wedding, the family requests memorial donations can be sent in her name to the Miller Dwan Foundation – Polinsky Expansion (in lieu of flowers). https://mdfoundation.org/memorial-honor-gifts or 218-786-5829.

To send an online condolence, please visit www.downsfh.com.