Fern Pauline Cronin, age 89, of Rapid City, SD, formerly of Huron, SD, died on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at Fountain Springs Healthcare Center in Rapid City, SD. Her funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at Welter Funeral Home with private burial at St. Martin Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday, May 26 at Welter Funeral Home. Fern Pauline Lorenz, the daughter of Paul and Emma (Weitzel) Lorenz, was born on February 15, 1925 in Esmond, SD. Fern attended school at Esmond and graduated from Iroquois High School in 1943. She also attended Northwest Business College in Huron. Fern Married William "Bud" Cronin on August 2, 1947 in Huron. Fern worked at the AAA (Agricultural Adjustment Act) office, Northwestern Public Service Engineering Department, Bales Continental Commission, and Magness Livestock Market on sale days. Fern and Bud also farmed in the Huron area and had a passion for the agricultural industry. Fern considered her best job to be that of a wife, mother, and grandmother. Fern was a member of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary, and the VFW Women's Auxiliary. She was a member of Wheel and Deal Card Club and Beadle County Democrats. She enjoyed cooking, baking, playing cards, working on her computer, traveling, and watching the stock markets. Her best memories were of times spent with family and friends. Those left to cherish the memory of her independent, strong willed spirit are her two children, Janice Cronin (Bob Sundeen) of Sturgis, SD, and Doug (Denise) Cronin of Huron, SD; grandson, William "Scooter" Cronin (Victoria) of Parkston, SD; two great granddaughters, Tessah and Ashtyn Cronin of Huron, SD; two sisters, Vera (Leonard) Raether of DeSmet, SD, and Faye Fisher of New Brighton, MN; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, great nephews, and great nieces. Fern was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bud Cronin in 1976; two brothers, Clarence and Jabe Lorenz; sister, Lucille DeJong; two brothers-in-law, Harry De Jong Jr. and Wayne Fisher. Memorials may be made to the Children's Care Hospital and School in Sioux Falls in memory of Fern.