Preston Conrad Kronkosky

Preston Conrad Kronkosky, age 91, passed away peacefully in West Plains, Missouri on February 10, 2025. Preston was born on June 3, 1933 in New Braunfels, Texas and grew up in this small German-heritage town on the banks of the Comal River. He was a fifth-generation of New Braunfels and the younger of the two children born to the marriage of Lottie Froelich and Leo Charles Kronkosky.

Preston attended Carl Schurz Elementary School and New Braunfels High School (NBHS). He was an Eagle Scout and graduated with the NBHS Class of 1951. While in high school, he served a three-year enlistment in the 36th Infantry Division Band (Texas National Guard). He was awarded a four-year Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Scholarship (NROTC), attended The University of Texas at Austin, was awarded his Bachelor of Science degree in 1955, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps (USMC). After serving a 15-month tour of duty in Japan with the 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, he returned to the USA for duty at USMC Base, Twenty-nine Palms, California. However, his intended 30-year military career was cut short when he was nearly fatally injured in an automobile accident in November 1957.

After a lengthy recovery, Preston went on to enroll in the Graduate School of The University of Texas at Austin and was awarded his Master of Education degree in 1959. Preston married Emma "Emmie" Joann Harz of Boerne, Texas on August 15, 1959. They moved to Corpus Christi, Texas where he was a Mathematics Teacher and later, Mathematics Supervisor, with the Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD). Their three children were born in Corpus Christi.

The family moved to Austin, Texas in 1966 where Preston became a full-time staff member of the Governor's Committee on Public School Education. He then joined the staff of the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL) in 1968. He was a founding member of St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church since 1969. Preston entered the doctoral program at The University of Texas at Austin and was awarded his Ph.D. in 1970. He continued his involvement in scouting and served as the first Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 511 (1972-1977). Preston was selected to be SEDL's President & CEO in 1981 and retired from that position in 1996.

Preston was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Emmie, and his sister Kathlyn “Kitty” Doreen Kronkosky Hufft. Preston is survived by his children Mark Anthony Kronkosky and wife Cynthia, Brittan Troy Kronkosky and wife Suzette, Tamara Diane Kronkosky Hodgson and husband Robert; grandchildren Chad Ewert Kronkosky and wife Taylor, Blake Conrad Kronkosky and wife Julie, Ryan Matthew Hodgson and fiancé Erin Oleksak, Alan Jacob Hodgson, Leonardo Lorenz Kronkosky and wife Hanna; great-grandchildren Ellis Grace Kronkosky, Reeves Anthony Kronkosky, Killian Conrad Kronkosky, Isabella Jo Kronkosky, Hunter Austin Hodgson, and Bode Brooklyn Hodgson.

Preston’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to all the staff at Cedarhurst Senior Living, West Plains, Missouri, for the love and support they provided for Dad.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations in Preston’s name to the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, in Austin on Thursday, February 20th, at 6 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 4311 Small Drive, in Austin on Friday, February 21st, at 10 AM. Following the Mass, Preston will be laid to rest at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery. A reception for family and friends will be held back at the church after the graveside service.