Stephen Edward Kronberg

Stephen Edward Kronberg, age 81, of Lake Forest Park, Washington, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 3, 2025 surrounded by his immediate family.

Born on October 5, 1943 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Stephen was the son of Roy Edward Kronberg and Hazel Belle (Parmenter) Kronberg. He graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1961 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from Chadron State College in 1965.

On December 26, 1965, Stephen married Karen Kay Waits of Gering, Nebraska, at the First Methodist Church of Gering. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where Stephen began his career with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 2, 1966. Over the years, the family relocated several times before settling briefly in Yakima, Washington, where their twin sons, Scott Roy and Sean Kenneth, were born on August 12, 1974. In 1976, the family made Lake Forest Park, Washington, their permanent home, where they raised their children.

Stephen worked for the FDA continuously for 36 years before retiring in 2002. Throughout his career he held several key roles, contributing to the advancement and protection of public health and earning service and merit awards for his contributions.

An avid technologist, Stephen was an early adopter of new technology. His passion for electronics began in the 1970s with amateur radio and grew into an interest in computers in the early 1980s. This enthusiasm was constantly evident as he could often be found exploring the latest gadgets, from tablets to smartwatches, ham radios to circuit boards. His curiosity and love for learning about innovation may have inspired both of his sons to find careers within technology.

In retirement, Stephen and Karen enjoyed being dedicated grandparents and giving back to their community. They were active members of their local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and amateur radio organizations. Stephen and Karen cherished their roles as grandparents, watching their grandchildren grow and develop quickly.

An interest in his family's genealogy led Stephen to the Find a Grave community, in which volunteers help others learn about the final resting place of a loved one. He spent countless hours responding to requests from around the world, researching, locating, and photographing grave sites around Seattle and at Acacia Memorial Park, where he'll now be placed to rest.

Stephen and Karen were married nearly 55 years when Karen passed away on December 23, 2020 after a battle with ALS. Stephen was also preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. He is survived by his sons, Scott Kronberg (Broomfield, Colorado) his wife Kelly Anne Miller, son Sean Kronberg (Issaquah, Washington) his wife Tracey Nielsen (Leavitt), his sister Patricia Ann Clark (Scottsbluff, Nebraska), and three adored granddaughters, Annika Nielsen Kronberg (Issaquah, Washington), Remy Kaydence Kronberg (Broomfield, Colorado) and Camden Elise Kronberg (Broomfield, Colorado).

Stephen will always be remembered as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and caring friend, whose legacy of curiosity, service, and love will continue to inspire those who knew him.

In remembrance of Stephen, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, well wishes be shared with the family in the form of donations to an ALS charity or another organization of your choice in Stephen’s memory.