Frederick Arthur Kronsbein

Fred was born in Orland, California on January 28, 1921 to Arthur and Theresa Jasper Kronsbein. He passed away on February 21, 2018. His parents and sister, Pauline K. McCahill preceded him in death.

Fred leaves behind his loving wife of 47 years, Beverly and three children: Christine Boughton (Michael) of Yakima, Washington, Gregory Hurst (Sandra) of Kennewick, Washington and Ronald Kronsbein of Sacramento, California. He is survived also by six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Fred attended Orland schools where he participated in student government, sports and band. He was active in Boy Scouts and earned the Eagle Scout Award.

Two months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he joined the Naval Reserve and was granted time to finish his degree at Chico State College. He received his BA degree and general secondary teaching credential while active in Blue Key, Kappa Delta Phi, basketball and was Chairman of Pioneer Days.

Immediately after graduating, he was on a train heading to Columbia University Navy Reserve Midshipmen School in New York City. Upon commissioning, he was sent to San Francisco and then to his first ship’s (USS Dobbin) operation in the Solomon Sea off New Guinea. After almost a year he was returned to the United States to serve on a newly commissioned assault ship (USS Catron). He then returned to sea for a year and a half. Fred estimated he traveled over 30,000 miles at sea which included the Okinawa invasion where the Catron was nearly hit by a torpedo. The ship anchored nearby signaled “Lucky Katie” which remains her nickname today.

Fred had the honor of returning the first 941 survivors of the “Bataan Death March” and POW’s from a Japanese camp to the United States. In San Francisco Harbor his ship was greeted with fire boats spraying great fountains welcoming the men home. Under heavy guard, they brought over 300 Japanese prisoners from the Philippines to Hawaii. They landed the first occupation forces in Northern Japan.

While on the Catron Fred served as a deck division officer, bridge watch duty, gunnery officer and deck court officer. In 1996 they organized a reunion for the Catron crew. For ten years an annual reunion was held throughout the USA.

Fred began his teaching career at Hamilton City High School. In his six years there, he taught science, math, mechanical drawing, woodshop, boys’ PE and coached varsity six-man tackle football, basketball and baseball. He came to El Camino High School in 1953 where he worked for 12 ½ years as varsity basketball coach, department chairman, dean of boys, and vice principal. Fred organized and was principal of the first San Juan District High School Summer School. He was appointed principal at San Juan High School in 1965 and served there until his retirement in 1978.

During his lifetime, he had many hobbies which included making airplane and ship models (from scratch), gardening, sports, oil painting, traveling the world with his wife, photography, hunting and stream fishing.

After retirement, Fred and Beverly visited all 50 states and all the continents except Antarctica. They especially enjoyed snorkeling on many of the South Pacific reefs. In 1993, Fred chronicled his WWII experiences in a self-published book, “From Civvies to Skivvies and Back Again.” He enjoyed the ocean, mountains, camping trips and most of all his children and grandchildren.

“All who knew Fred will truly miss him; but we have our memories of this man who had a quiet strength, strong sense of responsibility and fairness, love for the family and that mischievous twinkle in his clear blue eyes. Farewell husband, dad, friend, colleague, teacher until we meet again.”

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Mount Vernon Memorial Park and Mortuary, 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks, CA. A light lunch will follow.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to San Juan Alumni Assn. P.O. Box 103, Citrus Heights, CA 95611 or Pulmo Pals, 6401 Coyle Ave. #112, Carmichael, CA 95608.