Malcolm Cronk(1914 - 2015)
DR. MALCOLM R. CRONK FREEPORT - On November 2, 2015, Dr. Malcolm R. Cronk went home to be with his Lord. "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God to salvation...."Romans 1:16. This verse captures the life and passion of Dr. Cronk. Born in Fillmore, New York on September 7, 1914, Dr. Cronk began preaching at the age of 16, and continued holding forth God's Word to the age of 98, including pastorates at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Wheaton Bible Church in Wheaton, Illinois, Winnetka Bible Church in Winnetka, Illinois, Church of the Open Door in Los Angeles, California, and Camelback Bible Church in Paradise Valley, Arizona. He was well-known from the east coast to the west coast as a Bible Conference speaker. He would often say that he was called to "preach the Word, love the people, live the life!" During the later years of his ministry he was known as a pastor to pastors. Dr. Cronk married his sweetheart, Edna Bartelson, on June 15, 1938 . They shared 60 years of life and love together until Edna went home to be with her Lord in April of 1999, after a 3 year battle with cancer. Since that time, Dr. Cronk has resided in Freeport, and has been a member of Zion Church. Until he was physically unable to continue, he would fill the pulpit in several churches in the greater Freeport area. Dr. Cronk was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Edna, brothers, Alton (Winona) and Ted (Jean), and sister, Barbara (Frank). He is survived by two sons, Marshall (Ramona), and Gardy (Monique); two daughters, Eileen (James) and Kathy (Terry); as well as 16 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 21, at Zion Church, 4292 W. Stephenson St. Rd., followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Dr. Cronk's honor for Missions and the Children/Youth Ministries of Zion Church. Please leave a message in Dr. Cronk's guestbook at www.walkermortuary.com.