Margie Close, 89

Margie Edna (Edson) Krontz Close, age 89, of Bronson, passed away late Wednesday evening, Sept. 26, 2018, at her home.
She was born Feb. 10, 1929, to Ethel Maud Edson McAuliffe, in Somerville, Mass. She was raised by her German step-grandmother, Caroline Spangenburg Edson Miller, in Sturgis, having been told her mother died after giving birth. Margie had many stories about her strict German upbringing. She enjoyed genealogy, and for years researched to find more out about her parents, discovering her mother had not died after childbirth.
On Sept. 5, 1944, she married Russell Krontz, with whom she had 10 children. He passed on July 26, 1961. On Nov. 23, 1963, she married Wellington “Ralph” Close, they had one child together. Ralph passed on March 1, 1999.
Margie was a devoted Christian, who loved God. No matter where she lived, she remained a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis, having been baptized and confirmed by the Rev. Wm. Schalm, but her most favorite pastor, by far, was Pastor Cal Kolzow.
While she spent time as a homemaker, she also waitressed at Washington Street Cafe and drove semi and fifth-wheels with her late husband, Ralph, all across the country. She had lived in Sturgis; Constantine; White Pigeon, Three Rivers, Weston, W.Va.., and Bronson. Margie’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, for any occasion. She was very proud of all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She prided herself in keeping track of everyone of their births and birthdates. She enjoyed crocheting and making gifts for the grandkids. She had crocheted a blanket for almost every one of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Margie will be deeply missed by her children, Art (Shirley) Krontz of Bronson; Melvin Krontz of Syracuse, Ind.; Diann Krontz; Russell (Penny) Krontz II of Sturgis; Joann (Tom) Salmon of Horner, W.Va.; Karen (Jack) Krontz-Moore of Sturgis; Mike (Pam) Krontz of Missouri; Lorrie Krontz of Shipshewana, Ind.; Jim Close and Denna Close, both of Sturgis; 26 grandchildren, William (Stacy) Krontz, Tina (Chris) Anzaldua, Orin (Tracy) Krontz, Tammy (Craig) Hoppe, T. L. Krontz, Brandi (Mark) Youell, Millisa (Dustin McFarland) Harper, Vicki (Dan) Polmateer, Russell (Ericka) Krontz III, Jason Krontz, Shantel (Bud) Carver, Angie (Nate Dolley) Houts, Shon (Stacy) Salmon, Maranda Wamsley, Alenea (Shawn) Ramage, Kelli Jo Gunthorp, Krysti (Tim Carmichael) Boughton, David Sites, Sherri (Eric Carr) Robison, Rachel Moore, Anna (Michael) Olney, Michaela (Lyle) Benson, Eric (Christie) Krontz; Chelsea (David Greco) Foreman, Dani (Dylan) Haberstitch, Jesse (Samantha) Foreman, Heather (Wayne) Weber, Kari Wheeler and Brandon Close; 72 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother; her husbands; her sons, Eugene, Mack and Orin “Cork” Krontz; her daughter, Ellie Masuth; a son-in-law, Mike Masuth; eight brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and their spouses; and her grandchildren, Robin and Eugene Krontz, Micky Masuth, Ryan Krontz and Mandy (Krontz) Straight; and great-grandchildren Autumn Masuth, Coban Krontz and Trevor Kent.
The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 406 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Margie Close will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, at the funeral home. Pastor Calvin Kolzow will officiate. Immediately following the service, a continued time of fellowship and sharing of a meal will be held in the lower level of the church. A graveside committal will follow the meal at Burr Oak Township Cemetery in Burr Oak.
Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial donations to the family would be appreciated to help with expenses, c/: Karen Moore, 31264 E. U.S. 12, Sturgis, MI 49091
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.