Earl J.P. Kronebusch-Gittens

Earl John Paul Kronebusch-Gittens, 35, died Wednesday, October 11, 2006, at Whitewater Health Care Center in St. Charles, MN. Earl was born December 23, 1970, in La Crosse, WI to Daniel and Jean (Maier) Gittens. They were later divorced. Earl was raised lovingly in the Kevin and Jean Kronebusch family with his brothers Todd, Nik, and sister Chelsea. Earl graduated from Winona Senior High in 1989. Earl joined the U.S. Army immediately following High School and served during Desert Storm. He was honorably discharged due to a disability and moved back to Winona, MN. Earl completed instrumental training at the Berkley Institute of Music in California returning to reside in the Reno, MN area. Living on the Mississippi, he was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and raising a variety of wildlife. Earl was a musician, finding love during his brief lifetime with both the guitar and the cello. Earl often was called in to work with sound systems for different bands. Earl moved back to Winona, Minnesota several years ago. Although Earl's interests in life were music and the outdoors; his greatest passion was his two children. Survivors include his son, Carstin Daniel Gittens of Winona, MN; daughter, Jessica Harding of Kileen, TX; parents, Jean and Kevin Kronebusch of Minnesota City, MN; brothers, Todd (Debi) Kronebusch of Plymouth, MN and Nicholas (Kellian) Kronebusch of Winona, MN; sister, Chelsea (Cory) Lehnertz of Rollingstone, biological father, Daniel Gittens of Reno, MN; brothers, Neal Gittens of Winona, MN and Peter Gittens of LaCrescent, MN; sister, Colleen Gittens of Hokah, MN; paternal grandmother, Bernice Gittens of LaCrescent, MN; nephew, Aiden Michael Kronebusch, special "mom" Candy, and friends John, Deb, and Larry. His Grandma & Grandpa Maier, Grandma & Grandpa Kronebusch, Grandpa Gittens, and uncles, Gary Maier and Paul Gittens, and his tiny niece, Karen Jean Kronebusch preceded him in death. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, October 16, 2006, at 11:00am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Rollingstone, MN with the Reverends Donald Lovas and John Osbun concelebrating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 5-7:00pm at Holy Trinity Catholic Church where there will be a Christian Prayer Service at 7:00pm. Friends may also call one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. The American Legion of Winona will conduct military Honors at the graveside. Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service Hansen Tribute Center in Goodview is assisting the family with the arrangements. Please feel free to share a memory of Earl with the family or sign the online guestbook at: www.hofffuneral.com