William G. Kroncke, 87, of Sylvania Ohio passed away peacefully on Saturday August 14th, 2021 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Bill was born on July 15th, 1934 to Gerald and Vivian (George) Kroncke in Daytona Beach Florida. After graduating from high school Bill received his bachelors degree from the University of Toledo and then his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law.
Bill started his law firm in 1975, but practiced law for 57 years. He had great partners and lifelong friendships resulted. The firm continues to this day and is managed by Joe and Brad D'Arcangelo. Bill was also an acting Judge in Maumee for 4 years, and a Sylvania Municipal Judge for 41 years, only retiring in November 2019. This made him the longest serving judge in Ohio. Upon his retirement the city of Sylvania named January 6th Judge William Kroncke day in recognition of his service.
Bill was in the army from 1954 to 1956. He specialized in Morse code and was also a sharpshooter. He had a special group of friends called "The Sam's". They were lifelong friends and shared many adventures. His very first boat from his father was called "Sam" after his group. Bill loved the water and was an accomplished boater. The Sea Lawyer took his family on many grand trips that are remembered very fondly. At the age of 49 Bill got his pilots license and began flying. He started doing Angel flights in 2001. In 2012 he was given the Outstanding Senior Volunteer award for his service. He continued flying until October 2019. He was also a member of the British Car Club and the proud owner of a 1967 Austin Healey. His very last award for 2021 was 1st in Class @ Perrysburg British Car Show.
Bill had 5 children with his first wife Betty Kroncke (deceased). His children, Kathy(Fred) Slowik, Jeff(Trish) Kroncke, Beth(Matt) Holzemer, Mary Kroncke Grandchildren Rachel(Mitch) Mielcarek, James and Joshua Holzemer, Kevin and Nick Kroncke, Chris Slowik, Sam Hall, and Great Grandchildren Laila, Joseph(Joe cool), and Evelyn will miss him. Bill was preceded in death by his daughter Linda (aka the favorite) and his brother Dean. We know they are together now.
Bill is also survived by his loving wife Janet M. Kroncke and her children Deborah Walters, Douglas (Kim) Zipfel, and Dennis Zipfel. Grandchildren Amanda (Dave) Cook, Chad (Ashley) Zipfel, Craig (Heather) Walters, Morgan (Derrick) Bartkowiak, Chelsea(Bob) Kane, Travis(Erin) Zipfel, Conner and Zak. Great Grandchildren Alder, Ganden, Chloe, Colton, Savannah, Charlotte, Henry, Bohdi, Cecelia, and Emmett. Preceded in death by Robert Walters, David (Karen) Zipfel.
Visitation will be held at Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 Main Street, Sylvania, Ohio on Thursday, August 26 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm where his service will be held on Friday, August 27 at 1:00 pm and where the family will greet friends beginning at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy in his honor can be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church, 7625 Riga Hwy, Riga MI, 49276, Angel Flights, or The Toledo Bar Association Foundation.
The family would like to thank his many friends for their love and support. We would also like to thank the great professionals who cared for dad, and in particular Dr. Raufi, his nurse Jan and the great staff at Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
Assisting with arrangements Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home; (419-698-4301) www.egglestonmeinet.com