Paul Robert Kronst Obituary (2025)

Paul Robert Kronst, born in Chicago Heights, Illinois on May 10, 1958, passed away on July 16, 2025, after spending a perfect day hiking the trails of his beloved Mount Rainier alongside Basia Burgard. Surrounded by breathtaking beauty and in the company of someone he loved, Paul collapsed at the foot of the mountain and died of a sudden heart attack--leaving this world in a place that brought him joy and peace. Uncle Paul was a devoted brother, uncle, and great-uncle who deeply cherished his family and friends. He had a generous spirit and was known for always stepping in when there was a need--truly a "Good Samaritan" to those he loved. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Nancy Kronst. He is survived by his four loving sisters: Ann Roos (Don), Cathy Burgard (Jeff), Natalie Smith (Ed), and Barb Schrieber (Tom). He was a devoted uncle to his nieces and nephews: Natalie Burgard (Nick Manchen), Joy Schrieber, Annie Lock (August), Joseph Burgard (Basia), Nathan Burgard, Tim Schrieber (Kelli), Scott Smith, and Greg Smith. Paul also cherished his role as a great-uncle to his grandnieces and grandnephews: Maeve Manchen (daughter of Natalie & Nick), Ania, James, and Bobby (children of Joseph & Basia), Jordyn Lenke (daughter of Nathan), Margot Schrieber (daughter of Tim & Kelli), and Charles Lock (son of Annie & August). In addition to his family, Paul had a wide circle of close friends whom he loved and cared for like family--with the same open heart and giving spirit. Paul was a Civil Engineering Officer in the United States Air Force for 20 years from 1981 until 2001. He served in Lubbock, Texas, South Korea (twice), University of Illinois (where he received his first master's degree in civil engineering), Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Azores, Dallas, Texas, Germany, and Kuwait. His favorite job was in the Azores where he had over 200 men working for him. He loved giving orders to people! After retiring as a Major, Paul moved to Seattle and earned his master's degree in counseling at Mars Hill Graduate School in 2003. Not wanting to work behind four walls all day, Paul took off to Africa to travel. In Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, he partnered with locals in an effort to launch small businesses aimed at improving their lives. While the ventures didn't ultimately succeed, Paul's heart for service and willingness to try spoke volumes. In Zimbabwe, he bungee-jumped 111 meters or 364 feet off the bridge near Victoria Falls over the Zambezi River. The St. Louis Arch is 650 feet! In 2008, Paul went to the ManKind Project (MKP) initiation weekend, which was the best weekend of his life. MKP is a men's group with the goal of helping Paul be the man he wanted to be. Paul enjoyed being involved in this group and became very active in the elders group, running many conferences. In 2009, Paul earned his teachers certification with an endorsement in middle-school Math and Science--but quickly realized the classroom wasn't his calling and set off traveling again. Ever the curious explorer of life, he went on to earn his Advanced Hypnotherapy Degree in 2013. Paul loved hiking and being in nature, and he loved Jesus Christ deeply. He loved taking pictures and making coffee table photo books for his family and friends. He was a great photographer who loved life (his favorite shoot: Death Valley). Paul's playful spirit and radiant smile could light up any room and lift everyone's mood. He loved Christian contemporary and Beatles music, frequented botanical gardens and art museums, and admired the work of his favorite artist, Michelangelo Caravaggio. Paul was passionate about family, friends, traveling, photography, and savoring gourmet food--especially at his favorite restaurant, Sabai Thai in Port Angeles. He will be deeply missed by many, remembered as a true blessing--always present, always willing to help wherever he went--but we find comfort in the assurance that we will one day see Paul again in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a pro-life organization as Paul was adamant about this cause, which was dear to his heart. Either the org of your choice, or may we suggest: https://supportmylifenet.com/ or https://preborn.com/ Brookside Funeral Home is Caring for the family, Please visit www.brooksidefuneral.com to share a condolence or memory with the family.