Doreen (Wanta) Cronce

Doreen (Wanta) Cronce, age 82, Branson, Missouri

Doreen (Wanta) Cronce, 82, passed away and went to be with her Lord on October 16, 2023. Her husband, Miles Cronce, 82, had passed away on October 21, 2022 in Theodosia, Missouri.  Doreen and Miles grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, were “high school sweethearts” who got married in 1961, and stayed together for over 61 years.

Doreen (born on November 9, 1940) was the oldest of three children born to Raymond and Alice Wanta. Doreen was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends whenever she could.  In her professional life, she worked at Cutler-Hammer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin after high school, first serving as a mail-carrier, then later as the Private Secretary to the Superintendent of the Tool and Die Makers division.  There was a connection she frequently reflected on.  This superintendent had played Santa during her family Christmas parties when she was a young girl.  This relationship grew very strong over the years, and the superintendent and his wife became more like family to her.

Years later, she was employed at QBA in Des Arc, Missouri, where she was promoted to the position of Production Set-Up supervisor.  However, her talents really came to the forefront during her time operating a cattle ranch.  In 1980, Doreen and Miles had decided to raise their two children not in the suburbs, but on a cattle ranch, moving the family to Annapolis, Missouri.  The ranch typically managed an average herd size of 100 or more beef cattle.  In addition, between baling hay in the Summer and cutting wood in Fall, Winter and Spring to heat their 100-year-old home, ranch-life kept the family busy.  Doreen’s ingenuity, creativity, and love for her animals were evident to all, as she had the knack for keeping very old farm machinery running while maintaining a healthy cattle herd and peacock/chicken flock, not to mention a half-acre garden.

In 1999, they sold the ranch, transitioned to retirement, and moved to Theodosia, Missouri to a beautiful home that overlooked Bull Shoals Lake.  After Miles’ passing, Doreen moved to Ballwin, Missouri to be closer to family.  Doreen enjoyed listening to music of all types, watching a good movie, and playing card games like Dominos and Spades with family.

Miles (born October 5, 1940), was the youngest of three children born to Walter and Viola Cronce.  Miles learned early on that hard work was the best way to succeed in life.  That led to a very diverse career, working as a pin setter at a bowling alley, to an employee of the Milwaukee Railroad, to various managerial positions with National Foods and Kohls Food Stores in Milwaukee and as Vice President of Liberal Foods in Dayton, Ohio in the late 1970’s.  He also worked at a granite quarry and was the Plant Manager at Garden Foods in Piedmont, Missouri. Miles served our nation as a member of the Army National Guard, earning the rank of Sergeant.  Even with all of this, he felt his biggest challenge was running the cattle ranch.  In retirement, he was an active member of the community, serving on the city’s water board.   Miles enjoyed fishing, golf, playing billiards, and playing card games like Dominos, Solitary, Spades and Hearts with family.

They leave behind two children:  Christopher Cronce and his wife Karin of Alexandria, Virginia and Corrin (Cronce) Sachs and her husband William (Bill) of Ballwin, Missouri.  They also leave three grandchildren:  Kailey and Kylie Cronce and Braden Sachs.

They also leave behind Doreen’s sibling: Wayne Wanta and his wife Jean of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin.  Doreen and Miles were pre-deceased by brothers Brian Wanta, Llewellyn (Lou) Cronce and Roger Cronce. 

A funeral service for Doreen will be held at Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, 1638 E State Highway 76, Branson, MO 65616 on October 23, 2023, at 1:00 P.M.

The family requests that no flowers nor donations be made at this time, but that the fond memories we have of Doreen and Miles be shared and not forgotten.

Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory

1638 East State Highway 76

Branson, Missouri 65616

Telephone – 417-334-3670

Fax – 417-336-3670