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William P. "Bill" Crownhart

William P. "Bill" Crownhart

William “Bill” Philip Crownhart, age 67 of Elmwood, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2015. Bill was born September 26, 1947 in Plum City, WI (Pierce County) to Philip and Lucille (Schwartz) Crownhart. He graduated from Elmwood High School in 1965. After graduating from Elmwood, he attended University of Wisconsin-River Falls and studied agronomy and agriculture, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1969. During college he hauled milk for the Hatchville Cheese Factory.  After college, he worked for the Department of Defense at Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, Illinois and served in the U.S. Army Reserves. 

On June 26th, 1971, he married the love of his life, Anna Mae Koch at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Jefferson, WI.  The new couple lived in Davenport, IA for one year then moved to Battle Creek, MI for a short stay before beginning farming with Anna’s parents in Jefferson in 1973.  In 1976, they moved to Elmwood, WI and purchased the Crownhart Family Dairy Farm on County Road G, Spring Lake Township, from Philip and Lucille. Bill spent the rest of his life with his wife on this farm where they raised a family of five children and milked dairy cows until 2003. Throughout their time on the farm, Bill and Anna received multiple awards for milk quality and production. Bill was a conservation-conscience farmer and was dedicated to preserving the land.  Since 2003, they have been cash cropping, producing maple syrup, and farm fresh free-range eggs. 

Bill had a passion for many things including making maple syrup in the traditional flat pan over wood fire method, cutting wood, and simply spending time in the woods and at the sugar shack.  He loved reading, spending time with his grandchildren, hunting, his dogs, and being active with the church.  Above all else, Bill loved his wife, Anna, and his five children.      

Bill was the current Grand Knight of the Elmwood Knights of Columbus Council 6599 at Sacred Heart parish. He was also a member of the church choir, Eucharistic minister both at church and for the homebound, lector, and former Parish Council President.  He was commissioned a Lay Minister for the LaCrosse diocese in May 1987 and since then has done numerous wake services for fellow parishioners.  Bill found great comfort in the Lord and based his life around his faith and his family.

Bill is survived by his wife of 44 years, Anna, of Elmwood WI.  Five children: Maria of Hudson, WI; Amy (Kimm) of Eau Claire, WI; John of Elmwood, WI; Rachel of Hastings, MN; Andrea (Mark) Fritts of Havana, IL. Five grandchildren: Bo and Brett Crownhart, Lucas and Callie Hydinger, Clare Julianne Fritts. Sister: Joan (Norm) Link of Cudahy, WI: brothers Mark of Minneapolis, MN; Ed (Debbie) of Stratford, WI. Brothers-in-laws: Roger (Paula) Koch of Solana Beach, CA; George Koch of Jefferson, WI. Sister-in-law: Sr. Julianne Koch of Glendale, WI.  As well as multiple nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law John Koch.

A Time to Remember the Life of Bill will be from 4-8 pm on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood, WI with a prayer service concluding the evening at 7:30 pm. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, September 18 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood with visitation one hour prior to Mass.  Burial will be at Sacred Heart-Farm Hill Cemetery in Elmwood. Services entrusted to the Rhiel Funeral home of Elmwood, WI.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church or the charity of your choice in Bill’s name.

Condolences

  1. Rita Weber Doverspike

    My sympathy to your family on the loss of Bill. He was a very caring person.

    Greg & Rita Doverspike
    a classmate

  2. Zita Schultz

    Bill and I were high school classmates and also attended UW-River Falls. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. I always enjoyed seeing both of you when we were in the area. May God watch over all of you during this difficult time.
    Zita Schultz

  3. mary hartung

    Dear Anna and family,
    My thoughts and prayers are with your during your days of sorrow. Bill was such a good neighbor and so helpful to my family over the years. May the fond memories you have of your husband and father help you cope with your sorrow.
    With Deepest Sympathy,
    Mary Hartung

  4. Judi Krause Bauer

    Bill and I were classmates. I was so sorry to hear of Bills sudden passing. Bill was very respected in Elmwood and Sacred Heart Parish. Our sympathy to you Anna and your family. We will keep you in our prayers.
    Gary & Judi Bauer

  5. Susan Springer

    Bill was my classmate and ever since I have known him I have always regarded him as a really GOOD person---one of the best of the best. I am so sorry for his family's loss and also the loss to humankind of such a wonderful person.

  6. Ken Wilkins

    Dear Rachel,
    I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I sure will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
    Ken

  7. Joe and Betsy Bacon Family

    We feel we have lost not only our dear and wonderful friend, but the best neighbor anyone could ever ask for. Our hearts go out to Anna and the family. Like everyone who knew and loved Bill, we are deeply saddened.

  8. Josie Shackleton

    Dear Ann & family,

    I was very sad to hear of Bill's passing. He was a very sweet and kind man. I always enjoyed running into you and Bill, Ann and visiting for a few moments to catch up on family. He will be missed by many. My heart, prayers, and thoughts are with you at this difficult time, but also celebrating with you that he is at peace and at home with the Lord. Josie

  9. BILL & Gayle Bock

    Sympathy to the family of Bill.

  10. Jodell & John Marson

    "A life that blooms and shares its beauty freely is never really lost".
    Thinking of the Crownhart family at this most difficult time.
    With Sincere Sympathy.

  11. Mary Ann Flanders (Feiler)

    I am so, so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Bill well from when your family would stop at our house after church on Sunday when we were all kids. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  12. Judy & Lee McGuire

    Ann
    Our deepest sympathy to you & your family.
    May God be with you. May His promise of eternal life be a comfort to you in the loss of One so dear. Bill now walks with his Lord.

  13. Anne Zeithaml Morris

    Will never forget the hospitality you gave us, Ricky, Tom and I will never forget the kittens in the barn and the sugar shack! In our thoughts and prayers..

  14. Linda Christman Storm

    Sorry to hear of your loss. He is in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in Peace.

  15. Becky and Doug Mintz

    Dear Anna and family,
    We are so sad to hear of Bill's death. We are thinking of you and praying for you.

  16. Bob and Cathy Kuehl

    Our deepest sympathy on your loss. Prayers to the family.

  17. Shelly Lundquist

    May god look over the Crownhart family during this difficult time.

  18. Melissa Freiberg

    John and family I am so sorry for your loss.

  19. Russ and Rita Bennett

    Our deepest sympathy to Bill's family.

  20. Bruce and Pat Schmiling

    We are so sorry to hear of Bill's passing . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all .

  21. Dick & Jan Bates

    Family of Bill Crownhart:
    So sorry to hear of your loss. Although I did not know Bill well I heard many good comments about him from my dad and family. I know he will be missed by his family and at Sacred Heart. We will remember Bill in our prayers.

    Dick & Jan Bates

  22. Tracey Tulip

    My deepest condolences to your family.

  23. Diann Holcomb

    My thoughts and prays are with you through this time of sorrow.

  24. Lisa Kilmer

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Lisa and Mike Kilmer

  25. Katie Wittig

    John and family-
    We are so sorry to learn of the loss of your father and husband! Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time
    Katie and Wyman Wittig

  26. Daniel, Callie and Lillie Parshley

    We are thinking of you all and praying that the beautiful memories of Bill's wonderful life will bring peace and comfort! Love y'all!
    The Parshley Family

  27. Jim and Jill Schwebach

    To Anna and family. So sorry for your loss. Bill was a good man and I have a lot of respect him

  28. John & Judy Yauch

    John & Bill were both in the Elmwood class of 1965.
    We are so very sorry to learn of his sudden passing. Our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.

  29. Nancy Anderson

    You will be missed immensely. You touched my heart with your kindness and humor... and my liver with your beer and my sweet tooth with the syrup. I robbed your chickens and went shooting with you... all in a short amount of time that i was blessed to know you. God bless and rest well in peace.

  30. Renee Gilson

    So sorry to hear of your loss. May God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

  31. Jeff Radle

    Very sorry to hear of your loss - thinking of you and your family.

  32. Galen and Liz

    Annie and family,
    Sending our thoughts and prayers. Bill and your family were great neighbors. May God wrap his arms around you and give you strength.

  33. David Wolske

    So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Our condolences to the whole family.
    Dave and Ginny Wolske

  34. Rene Blomquist

    So sorry Crownhart family. Bill was a nice, genuine, hard working man. He was always nice when I visited the farm to hang out with Andrea when we were kids. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

  35. Brian Buck

    Bill was a great man and someone I looked up to. I hope some day I can earn the same amount of respect that others had for Bill. My deepest sympathy to the Crownhart family.

  36. Rita and Jerry Baumann

    Anna and Family:

    I cannot tell you our sadness and shock in reading this. Please accept our most sincere sympathy

  37. Marge and Ron Ginsbach

    Thinking of you, Anna and Family at this sad time. Bill was well respected and a delightful person to be around. Our deepest sympathy.

  38. Rosemary Webb

    Bill was one of my favorite friends in high school. Many good memories. I am so sorry for your loss.

  39. Amy & Matt Wayne

    Please accept our heartfelt sympathies on your loss, your family is in our thoughts and prayers!

  40. Amber and Zennah Gabranski

    My parents (Mark & Randi) talked very highly of Bill. Often I heard about them cutting wood, making syrup, chasing chickens, getting eggs. The list really goes on.

    I heard about Bill so many times; I started think we were related. For as many years as I have known my father (33 years to be exact), I haven't known him to have a really close friend that shares so many similar interests and I consider Bill one of those people. He kept my father busy which is actually hard to do.

    I'm so thankful that such a wonderful man came into my father's life to bring him joy, happiness and someone to do "man stuff" with.

    My heart goes out the family. Just from what my parents have said about Bill, he is truly amazing. I feel blessed for meeting him shortly in the forest making syrup. He had so many skills and wonderful qualities. And to top the list, he made one really awesome family.

    Our condolences go out to your family. Sending prayers your way. I can't wait to see Bill once again in Heaven some day. It was such a blessing to meet such a wonderful person. This world needs more men like him!

    Sending love,
    Amber and Zennah

  41. Gary, Chris & Trevor Tuenge

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.

  42. Gary & Becky Anderson

    Dear Anna and family,
    We are so sorry to hear about Bill. Our prayers
    and thoughts are with you all. Bill was the most
    wonderful man. Gary and I respected him highly.
    Bill was very dear to Gary he enjoyed the times
    he spent with Bill. We will miss him greatly. May
    God comfort you at this difficult time.

  43. Steve & Diane Radle

    Sending thoughts & prayers to you & your family. Those we have loved are with us forever in our hearts.

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