1937
Josef
2016
Josef Kroner
March 25, 1937 — September 17, 2016
Josef Milan Kroner passed away peacefully on September 17, 2016 at the age of 79. He is survived by his Wife, Emma Kathleen Kroner; Son, Tomas Kroner; and Step-Daughters, Becky (Aaron) East and Lisa (Nathan) Crandall; along with 10 beautiful Grandchildren.
Josef was born March 25, 1937, on the borders of Germany and Bohemia in the small town of Subirov at the beginnings of World War II. The son of a tailor. Josef experienced firsthand the effects of war as a young boy. As he grew older, Josef’s dream was to become a professional soccer player. His dreams were realized when his talent was discovered and was invited to come to the Sport’s Institute, a military program in Prague, Czechoslovakia. After much hard work he was invited to play on the national soccer team. When the country turned to communism, Josef left the Institute out of protest and returned a civilian, giving up his dream of sports.
Because of political pressures, Josef felt a strong need to leave his country in search of freedom, which meant leaving his family and his life behind. With the encouragement of his parents, at the first opportunity of escape, Josef jumped into action and successfully crossed the country’s borders and entered into the protection of Austria under political asylum. After he was able to get a plan devised, he returned back to Czechoslovakia for his first wife Marta, and his young son, Tomas. Making a second successful daring escape from Czechoslovakia.
The family remained in Austria for a time, waiting for approval for their request to move to the United States to enjoy the American freedom. In 1980, he received approval and was invited to live in Salt Lake City, Utah as a refugee. Josef later became a US Citizen in 1986. This was a proud day for Josef and he has lived every day of his life in gratitude to be an American.
Josef and Marta were later divorced and she and Tomas returned to Czechoslovakia. Losing Tomas was devastating for Josef. He loved and missed his son very much. Josef later met Emma Kathleen Mangum while he was the landlord of her apartment complex in Salt Lake City. They dated several months and were married on November 24, 1989 and relocated to Ogden, Utah to be closer to Kathy’s daughters, Becky and Lisa.
Josef lived an adventurous life. He was mainly employed as a truck driver, driving coast to coast and enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the country. His favorite song was “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson, as this song best described his passion. Josef later drove tourist buses and delivery vehicles.
Josef was a wonderful family man. He loved Kathy very much and sacrificed much for her happiness. He was a simple man and found happiness in everything around him. He loved the mountains and the landscapes of Utah, especially the Great Salt Lake. He was a very fun loving and social person making friends wherever he went.
As the years went on and grandchildren arrived, Josef was as happy as could be. He loved his grandchildren very much and was always very excited to see them.
As Josef’s health began to decline, suffering from the effects of dementia and diabetes, he was in the need of professional care. After 6 long years of being bed ridden his family is grateful that he is now free from his bed and able to enjoy the beauties surrounding him now being reunited with his Maminka and Papika.
The family wishes to thank Hillside Rehabilitation Center and Brighton Hospice for the wonderful care that Josef was given in the small amount of time that he was under their care. His last days were days of peace and comfort. Thank you to all the staff and medical personnel for their gentle and respectful care. Also we would like to thank Paramount Health & Rehabilitation and Millcreek Health Center for their long term care as well.
A Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 11:00am at Memorial Mountain Cemetery, 3115 Bengal Blvd (7800 S), Cottonwood Heights, UT.Service Information
Graveside Service
September 27, 2016 at 11:00am
Memorial Mountain View, 3115 East 7800 South, Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121
Josef was born March 25, 1937, on the borders of Germany and Bohemia in the small town of Subirov at the beginnings of World War II. The son of a tailor. Josef experienced firsthand the effects of war as a young boy. As he grew older, Josef’s dream was to become a professional soccer player. His dreams were realized when his talent was discovered and was invited to come to the Sport’s Institute, a military program in Prague, Czechoslovakia. After much hard work he was invited to play on the national soccer team. When the country turned to communism, Josef left the Institute out of protest and returned a civilian, giving up his dream of sports.
Because of political pressures, Josef felt a strong need to leave his country in search of freedom, which meant leaving his family and his life behind. With the encouragement of his parents, at the first opportunity of escape, Josef jumped into action and successfully crossed the country’s borders and entered into the protection of Austria under political asylum. After he was able to get a plan devised, he returned back to Czechoslovakia for his first wife Marta, and his young son, Tomas. Making a second successful daring escape from Czechoslovakia.
The family remained in Austria for a time, waiting for approval for their request to move to the United States to enjoy the American freedom. In 1980, he received approval and was invited to live in Salt Lake City, Utah as a refugee. Josef later became a US Citizen in 1986. This was a proud day for Josef and he has lived every day of his life in gratitude to be an American.
Josef and Marta were later divorced and she and Tomas returned to Czechoslovakia. Losing Tomas was devastating for Josef. He loved and missed his son very much. Josef later met Emma Kathleen Mangum while he was the landlord of her apartment complex in Salt Lake City. They dated several months and were married on November 24, 1989 and relocated to Ogden, Utah to be closer to Kathy’s daughters, Becky and Lisa.
Josef lived an adventurous life. He was mainly employed as a truck driver, driving coast to coast and enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the country. His favorite song was “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson, as this song best described his passion. Josef later drove tourist buses and delivery vehicles.
Josef was a wonderful family man. He loved Kathy very much and sacrificed much for her happiness. He was a simple man and found happiness in everything around him. He loved the mountains and the landscapes of Utah, especially the Great Salt Lake. He was a very fun loving and social person making friends wherever he went.
As the years went on and grandchildren arrived, Josef was as happy as could be. He loved his grandchildren very much and was always very excited to see them.
As Josef’s health began to decline, suffering from the effects of dementia and diabetes, he was in the need of professional care. After 6 long years of being bed ridden his family is grateful that he is now free from his bed and able to enjoy the beauties surrounding him now being reunited with his Maminka and Papika.
The family wishes to thank Hillside Rehabilitation Center and Brighton Hospice for the wonderful care that Josef was given in the small amount of time that he was under their care. His last days were days of peace and comfort. Thank you to all the staff and medical personnel for their gentle and respectful care. Also we would like to thank Paramount Health & Rehabilitation and Millcreek Health Center for their long term care as well.
A Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 11:00am at Memorial Mountain Cemetery, 3115 Bengal Blvd (7800 S), Cottonwood Heights, UT.Service Information
Graveside Service
September 27, 2016 at 11:00am
Memorial Mountain View, 3115 East 7800 South, Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121
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