Betty Lou Kronholm

Betty Lou (McKnight) Kronholm died January 9, 2020 at the age of 90 at Augustana Care Center Hastings, MN. Betty was born August 19,1929 to Roy and Grace (Dye) McKnight at the home of a midwife. She grew up near the Finger Buttes of Albion, MT, along with her six siblings. Arthur (Grace) McKnight, Dorothy (George) Riffe, Gertrude (Byron) Israel, Ione (Thomas) Johnston, Royal (Irene) McKnight, Edwin (Elsie) McKnight. Betty attended a one room country school. She left home to attend high school in Ekalaka and Jordan, Montana and Canyonville Bible Academy, Canyonville OR, then onto Bible College and Business school. After finishing her schooling she worked as a secretary and as a cook and nanny for a family. Betty met Paul Kronholm in Roseburg, OR. Paul was from Minnesota. They were married in 1952. Betty and Paul moved many times before settling their family in Menahga, MN. They had four children Paul Jr, Lisa Olson, Lyle (Susan ) Kronholm, Laurie (Robert) Little. Five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. In Menahga Paul was the Chief of Police and a home builder. During this time Betty and Paul also owned and operated a café. After their children were grown and left home they worked together as caretakers for several senior apartment buildings in North Dakota and Minnesota including Mississippi Terrace in Hastings. Gospel music was a special part of Betty and Paul’s life together. As a musical duo they would bring Christ’s message in song to their Church and many other places including Full Gospel Businessmen meetings across Minnesota. Betty loved her family and faithfully served God with her life and her music. She wrote many poems and songs over the years. Betty and Paul were married for 52 years and were loved by many. Betty is preceded in death by her husband Paul, son Paul Jr, grandson Douglas and Betty’s siblings and many of their spouses. Betty is survived by her children, Lisa Olson, Lyle (Susan) Kronholm, and Laurie (Robert) Little; grandchildren, Dale, Dawn (Glenn), Nathan (Carolyn), Brian (Chelsey); 7 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 11:00 am at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion Street in Hastings. A visitation will take place 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The Interment will be at Cook Community Cemetery at a later date.