WINONA, Minn. – Michael J. Cronin, 57, a priest who served many clerical roles in the Winona-Rochester Catholic Diocese, died of complications after heart bypass surgery. “Father Michael,” as he was called, held a political science degree from St. John’s University in Collegeville. He interned in Washington for Congressman Timothy Penny and later joined the staff full time. He did seminary studies at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Winona. Later at the University of St. Thomas he earned a divinity degree. His first parish duty was at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. Among other assignments were parishes in Minneiska, Rollingstone, Wilson and Winona State Universuty. In 2005 after two heart attacks, he began a medical leave and returned to Congress as House historian and then as administrative director in the Office of Inspector General. In 2011 he returned to active ministry at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and St. Casimir parish in Winona and as chaplain at Winona State.
Details: Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home
1965-2023