James Victor Krone

James was born on April 9, 1932, to Charles and Zella Krone in Clyde, Kansas. After graduating from Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, IL in 1950, he went on to enlist in the U.S. Navy then fought in the Korean War before beginning his veterinary medicine studies at Kansas State University.

After graduation, he married Mary McDonough in 1958, and together they opened Crystal Lake Veterinary Hospital. He practiced veterinary medicine in Crystal Lake until 1995, then moved to western U.S. where he helped establish a mobile spay and neuter unit for the San Bernardino, CA Humane Society. One noteworthy achievement was his assistance rescuing over 1000 displaced animals from the 2003 San Bernardino wild fires. James retired from veterinary medicine at 81 in 2013.

James and Mary had six children: Kevin, Elizabeth, Robert, Loretta, Bryan, and John. James was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He taught his children and grandchildren to work hard, to cherish animals and the outdoors, and to never stop learning. When James wasn't working in the veterinary hospital, he could be found traveling, trap shooting, or participating in reunions with his Korean War buddies. An avid reader, James also dedicated much of his time to studying American history and devouring crime novels.

James was predeceased by his parents, brother Tom, sister Mary Elizabeth OSB, wife Mary, wife Susan, infant daughter Loretta, and son Kevin. He is survived by four children, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, his sister Kaye Gross, and his brother William Krone.

The family requests that donations be made to an animal rescue organization of your choice. There will be an 11:00 a.m. funeral mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church at 1023 McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. This will be followed by a burial service for both James and Kevin at Crystal Lake Memorial Park Cemetery at 8012 Ridgefield Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60012.