Robert J. Cronin , 96, of Oyens, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at his home in Oyens.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Oyens, Iowa. Reverend William McCarthy will celebrate Mass. Burial with military honors provided by the Wasmer American Legion Post 241 of Le Mars will follow in St. Catherine's Catholic Cemetery in Oyens. Visitation with the family present will be after 4:00 p.m. Monday, May 27, 2019 at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. There will be a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 5:00 p.m. and a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Tuesday at the church. Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com .

Robert James Cronin was born September 1, 1922 on a farm in Plymouth County, Iowa, the son of Daniel Joseph and Clara (Frerichs) Cronin. He attended St. Catherine's Catholic School in Oyens. Following his schooling, he started helping his father on the farm.

He enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to the Oyens area and continued farming.

He was united in marriage to Paula Kunkel on May 1, 1950 at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Oyens. The couple farmed south of Oyens for many years. In 1982, they moved to Oyens. Paula passed away March 8, 2013.

Robert was a longtime member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Oyens and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1466 in Le Mars. He was also a member of the Wasmer American Legion Post 241 in Le Mars. Over the years, Robert enjoyed playing cards, bowling, and traveling. He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings. Most of all, he loved the times spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include his four children: Dave (Karen) Cronin of Lincoln, NE, Kathy Kruger of Le Mars, IA, Dan (Cheryl) Cronin of Le Mars, IA, and Steve (Paula) Cronin of Le Mars, IA; 8 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; his sister: Clarice (Fred) Hoefling of Sioux City, IA; two brothers in law: Ralph Thorpe of Lincoln, NE, and Ralph Niehus of Le Mars, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Clara Cronin; his wife, Paula Cronin; his son: Richard Cronin; and his siblings: Mildred (Vick) Sitzmann, Dorothy Ross, Marian Walsh, Helen (Roger) Franciscus, Evelyn Hagar, Kenneth (Kathleen) Cronin, and Jimmy (Beverly) Cronin.