Edward Krona Obituary

Edward Krona, 86

Edward "Ed" Krona, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, at Logan Health Brendan House in Kalispell, Montana, at the age of 86.

Ed was born in Kalispell in 1938 to Ralph & Edna Krona. His earliest childhood years were spent in Troy, with the family eventually moving to Whitefish. Ed came from a long line of Great Northern railroaders - a legacy he proudly continued after finishing Whitefish High School in 1957. Starting at 18 years old as a track laborer, he worked his way up to conductor where he served through the company transitions to BNSF, retiring in 2001 after more than four decades of service. Early in his career with the railroad, he would be laid-off during winter months. Never one to sit idle, he did seasonal work at The Big Mountain, driving snow plow, grooming runs, and working on the installation team for the first Chair 1.

On June 11th, 1960, Ed married the love of his life, J.P. Helmot. Together they raised two children, Tamra and Peter John, and shared a partnership filled with laughter, projects, dancing, and devotion to one another. Ed and J.P. were proud members of the Goldwing motorcycle club and spent many joyful years riding their motorcycle across the country, sharing countless miles and smiles together. Ed was a skilled woodworker, a builder of RC planes he loved to fly with his club, and the kind of man who always had a project in progress at home (mostly at his wife's insistence). He was a great friend to many – generous with his time, tools, and stories -who balanced a strong work ethic with a joyful appreciation for life.

Ed cared lovingly for J.P. through her battle with Alzheimer's until her passing in 2013. He was blessed to find love again with Mary Larson. They married in November 2015 and brought each other great joy until her passing due to COVID in April 2020.

Even later in his life, he maintained a keen sense of adventure and fun with his loved ones. To celebrate his 80th birthday, Ed went skydiving with his grandsons - an adventurous tradition he proudly continued for several years.

In the face of loss and challenges, Ed remained a steady and uplifting presence. He found joy in simple, meaningful routines - reconnecting with old friends and making new ones at his men's group Bible study, dancing at the Eagles (as long as the band was good), or sharing breakfast and conversation at Nickle Charlie's. His great sense of humor, kindness, and charm left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Ed's life was marked by love, resilience, and a spirit that embraced both hard work and fun. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph & Edna Krona; sister, Syliva, and brother-in-law, Lee Bronson; wife of 53 years, J.P. Krona, and Mary Larson Krona.

He is survived by his sister, Debra Burke of Mesa, AZ; daughter, Tamra (John) Arlint of Kalispell; son, Peter (Kena) Krona, of Columbia Falls; grandchildren Bryan Sawyer, Adam Arlint, Sarah Arlint, Blaine (Zoe) Krona, Codi (Chance) Evenson, Taylor Stafford; adoptive family Chris (Cary) Krager and family.

A celebration of life will be held on July 26th, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Hope Church in Kalispell. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any gifts or donations be made to the Samaritan House.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home caring for the family.