Timothy Joseph Krongaard

Timothy Joseph Krongaard, a long time Taos resident, passed away Monday, January 27, 2020.Born in 1944, he was 75 years of age when a massive stroke took his life. His life was a life well lived and a life lived his way. Which makes it a life worthy of celebration. Tim was born in Minneapolis, MN Second son of a family that frequently moved, he also spent time in Kansas City, MO, and Des Moines, IA, until his father and three of his five brothers relocated to Tucson, AZ. There, he was a committed student, all-around athlete, and a star all-state wrestler while at Tucson high school. After graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force where he trained as an aircraft electrician. More importantly, he gained an advanced knowledge of microwave electronics which became the foundation for his first career specializing in microwave filter technology; an expertise which later took him to Vietnam as a government contractor. Not one to rest on his laurels, he soon continued his education, earning a BA in business Administration from California State University, Fullerton. Eventually, Tim yearned for life at a slower speed which took him to Taos for a short time, he worked with his brother Bob in his landscape business. Eventually, however, he followed a lifelong passion into cooking. There he thrived. For many years he was the head pastry chef for the Thunderbird Lodge in the Taos Ski Valley. He could be found cooking at the Thunderbird during the Taos ski season then at the Thunderbird’s German School during the summer. Wherever, he was, he loved his work and loved what he created in the kitchen. Cooking is demanding work with demanding hours. So in 2009, he retired from the Thunderbird lodge. For a short time, he worked part-time at some of Taos’ well-known eateries. But soon retirement became his full-time job. After that, Tim could often be seen walking around town- a favorite mode of transportation and having a beer with friends while visiting his favorite haunts.   

Tim is survived by his five brothers and their families who loved him and will always remember him as Uncle T. Without a doubt, he has left a void in the family and will be dearly missed. But, instead of sadness, Tim’s life and his memory will be celebrated as a life lived his way.

Memorial service will held at a later date.  Arrangements by Rivera Funeral Home, Taos.  To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com