Obituary - Karolee Ann Pitsch Cronk

Karolee Ann Pitsch Cronk, lifelong Harlem-area resident, passed away August 3, 2024, at the age of 85 from complications of surgery.

Karolee was a wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, great grandmother, cousin, friend and child of God.

She was born June 22, 1939 and spent her early years in Hogeland, MT, before later moving to Harlem.

Karolee graduated from Harlem High School in 1957 and continued her education at Northern Montana College in Havre, earning a teaching degree. She went on to teach at both Harlem Junior High and Malta High School for several years before beginning her true passion of being a wife and mother.

Karolee married Lee Cronk July 6, 1963, and remained happily married until Lee passed away in October 1986. Lee and Karolee were blessed with four children and lived on the family farm east of Harlem until 1982 when they moved to Harlem.

Being involved was important to Karolee and she was active in a wide variety of community service, social and church activities. Several of those activities included 4-H leader, Harlem Seed Show, Harlem Civic Group, Friends of the Library, Domestic Engineers Club, substitute teacher, Pinochle Club and being an active member of Saint Thomas Catholic Church and its related Altar Society. Her faith was of utmost importance to her and she lived it in all that she did.

Karolee enjoyed visiting and would welcome conversation. She never met a stranger and shared her smile generously. Her happiest moments involved time with her family and friends. Working in her yard, amidst her flowers and the dirt was one of her favorite past times. She was also a seamstress, avid book reader and cheerleader of her grandchildren and their numerous activities.

Karolee is survived by her four children and their families, Brad Cronk (Michelle) and children Annie, Christopher, William (Jackie) and Matthew; Dana Morgan (Peter) and children Riley, Ali (Jess) and Lanie, Barry Cronk (Marla) and children Tianna, Terah (Luke) and Savanna, and youngest son, Kelly Cronk, and two great grandchildren, Parker & Matthew. Karolee was preceded in death by her husband Lee, parents Alex and Francis Pitsch and sister Marilyn who passed away at a very young age.

Services for Karolee will include a Rosary Vigil Friday, August 16, at 6:00 p.m., and funeral mass Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Thomas Catholic Church in Harlem with burial at the Harlem Cemetery and Luncheon in the church basement to follow.  

Karolee embodied the word love. She loved her faith, family and friends with a passion. She loved to be busy and productive and would always say "You know me" when asked why she kept so busy. All who had the privilege of knowing her were truly blessed. She will be missed, celebrated and loved through our memories forever.