April 21, 1944 – Monday, March 28, 2016
Service Information
The Peterson Chapel – St. Michael/Albertville
Saturday, April 2, 2016
11:30 AM
Visitation Information
The Peterson Chapel – St. Michael/Albertville
Saturday, April 2, 2016
10:00 – 11:30 AM
Michael Kronforst, 71, passed away peacefully at home in St. Michael, Minnesota surrounded by his family. Mike was born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin to Norman and Ruth Kronforst. He graduated from Washington High School where he met his wife, Gloria, of 51 years.
Together, they ventured to the Minneapolis area and settled down to raise their two sons. Mike loved to travel around the country with Gloria and going on long walks and bike rides along the way. He was a dedicated father and a wonderful grandfather. In addition to Gloria, he is survived by his sons Stephen and Mark (Jean) and his grandchildren Logan, Charlie, Jaina, and Drew.
Mike was also passionate about his career in broadcasting education. He spent decades teaching and helping his students learn to be broadcasters and launch careers. He touched the lives of many students over the years and will be remembered as a beloved teacher and mentor.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Patrick.
Memorial service for Mike will be held Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 11:30 AM with visitation starting at 10:00 AM at The Peterson Chapel St. Michael – Albertville Funeral Home in St. Michael, 300 Main St., 763-497-5362.
Memorials preferred to the National Brain Tumor Society: http://braintumor.org.
www.thepetersonchapel.com
My deepest sympathies for Gloria and the entire family. He is truly missed.
So sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. He was a wonderful person who helped me get my start in radio broadcasting. I worked in that field for about 15 years, all great experiences. Knowing him was an honor.
My deepest sympathies to Gloria, the boys and Mike’s grandchildren. There are few people who I thought more highly than Mike. I am not alone. Blessings to you all.
Despite a lengthy broadcast career (I am still in it after 45 years) I never went to Brown Institute for broadcasting! I did, however, go there for Computer Programming school and worked there in the Computer Service Bureau for a time (we sold custom applications programs and processing to run on the overnite shift in the Lake Street Computer Building when the students weren’t using the computers. Main frames cost money 24 hours a day – whether students were on them or not.) Nonetheless, I knew many Brown broadcasting grads who were my co-workers in the broadcasting industry. I still run into them. As a Brown Institute employee, we would come together with the Broadcasting and Electronics school staffs for gatherings from time to time. As a successful trade school with three successful divisions that created succesful livelihoods and “lives” for its students more often than not, most of the staff was popular and well-liked. But across all three divisions, few were as uniformly well-loved and appreciated by students, co-workers and business peers alike as Mike Kronforst! He represented broadcasting (as a professional in his own right), Brown Institute and the broadcast teaching and placement professions with excellence for over 41 years! He did it with warmth, care and genuine concern for ALL around him! Thanks, Mike, for showing us how it was supposed to done! We’ll ALL miss you! But we’ll keep your legacy in our hearts! In that way, you’ll continue to be a presence always! Thanks!
So very sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers.
I’m sure you will hear this over and over again … Mike made a positive difference in my life … and I’m dedicated to paying that forward.
Thank you for sharing him with us.
My best to Mike’s family. He helped get me started on a now 30 year radio career. I owe in part my life’s work and passion to Mike.
Mike was a good man, and I’m heartbroken he’s gone but glad to see I wasn’t the only one he affected. That’s the measure of a man.
Peace.
My heartfelt sympathies go out to all – I knew Mike from our days at Brown Institute (on Lake Street). I plan to spend some time listening to music I found through Mike’s recommendations: Mannheim Steamroller, The Nylons and many more. He will be remembered fondly!
My heart goes out to all those who love Mike. I graduated from Brown in 1992 when Mike was the Placement Director. It makes me smile when I think of him and I butting heads on jobs! He will be missed…
My sincere condolences to the family of Mike. I have fond memories of him as a teacher and later a friend. He encouraged me to finish broadcasting school and I am glad I did. As a graduate of Brown in 1978 I was able to have a career in radio for 30 years. He has touched so many lives in many ways. God bless the family through this difficult time.
My heartfelt condolences to the Kronforst family and friends upon Mike’s passing. He was a great teacher and leader as all of us Brownies out here know well. May God be with you in this time. Sending prayers.
Enjoyed working with Mike at Brown Institute – a wonderful guy. My heartfelt sympathy to wife, family and that community of Brown colleagues and grads. He will be missed.
Had a little tough going in broadcast school and Mike talked me into continuing my education at Brown. After nearly 40 years, I’m still at it, thanks to Mr. Kronforst!
God rest your soul, Mike. You were a great supporter of mine when I graduated from Brown. Your smile depicts who you are inside and out. Blessings and prayers to your family.
Our sympathies to you and the family, Gloria. A donation has been made to the National Brain Tumor Society in Mike’s name.
Please accept my deepest sympathy at the loss of Mike. Fellow Brown Institute staff member, Phil Smith.