David Earl Krohn was born on March 19, 1930 in Buffalo, NY. He is predeceased by his parents Matilda and George Krohn, sister, Esther Krohn Marcy, and beloved wife, Margaret Mary Todd Krohn. Born during the Great Depression to sharecroppers, this “farm boy” would go on to travel the globe overseeing international refineries for Mobil Oil and exploring other cultures.

Farming taught him to be economically conservative and to prepare for emergencies. Self-sufficient frugalness paid off throughout his life as he provided for his expanding family. Later in life, he offered quiet individual financial support and sponsored many joyful family gatherings.

His enjoyment of sports and science helped set him on his path as a civil engineer. Dave played varsity tennis, basketball, and football at Eden (NY) Central High School. He was the first of many generations to attend college graduating with a BS in Civil Engineering from Fenn College (Cleveland State) in Cleveland, OH.

After graduation, he worked for the Cleveland Engineering Society where he became smitten with his future wife, the sweet, lovely, and hard-working secretary Margaret Mary Todd. Even though it took him six months to muster up the courage to ask her out, thus began a 71-year love affair. As a devout Irish Catholic, Margaret Mary convinced Dave to convert from Lutheranism. Throughout their married life, their devotion, love and shared spirituality was a constant. They were exceptional dance partners.

In 1955 they were married, and let’s just say, it was a fruitful union. They raised eight children —Kathleen Agnes Krohn, Elizabeth Jean Harrje, Dave Todd Krohn (Scott MacMillan), Michael William Krohn (Susan), Mary Beatrice Sullivan (Malcolm Marler), Anne Marie Krohn (Charles Ratcliffe), Patrick Joseph Krohn (Marcy Vernon) and Maureen Frances Hinchman (Daniel).

In 1982, Dave, Margaret Mary, Patrick and Maureen moved to New Plymouth, New Zealand when Dave was tasked as at the projector director of the world’s first commercial production facility converting natural gas to synthetic fuels. Thousands of locals lined the streets, even in the dark of night, to watch the movement of the largest modules to the project site.

In 1995 when Dave retired from Mobil Oil, he and Margaret Mary built a life on Amelia Island, FL, with a tremendous group of friends and a church which they loved, St. Michael Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach. An extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, Dave initiated and led a monthly Communion Service for those who could not physically attend church at his retirement community.

Dave was an athlete. He made many strong friendships at the Golf Club of Amelia Island. At age 75, he was the golf club’s “Player of the Year.” At age 82, he scored his age. Up until days before his death, Dave regularly worked out at the Lakeside gym and pool—challenging his children to keep up with him. Ever the farmer, he helped clear his daughters’ land up until his last months.

Dave was proud of the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He knew their stories because he and Margaret Mary traveled extensively to attend births, first communions, graduations, weddings, ordinations, basically, any and all family celebrations. They showed up.

The strength of Dave’s faith carried him through his final days as four generations of family gathered around him to share memories and pray with Fr. Eric Stelzer. Dave died peacefully on November 22, 2024, at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL where he received excellent, compassionate care.

In addition to his children, Dave is survived by 16 beloved grandchildren— Tara White, Jeremy Harrje (Jenn), Christopher Harrje (Fallon), Meghan Harrje Wertz (Andrew), Kyle Harrje, Lauren Krohn Wild (Jeff), Lynne Krohn Labbe (Nic), Michael Krohn, Brendan Meyer, Kristin Meyer, Tiana Pimentel, Leah Pimentel, Mina Vernon-Krohn, Daniel Hinchman, Jessie Hinchman and Josh Hinchman. Dave is also survived by 13 great grandchildren and an abundance of friends, nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers, Dave requested services to be offered in his memory. Donations are encouraged for St. Michael Catholic School in Fernandina Beach or Micah's Place.

A memorial service will be held on Friday December 13 at 11:00 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Fernandina Beach, FL, with a joyous reception to follow in the parish hall.

He will be laid to rest on the land he helped clear—a family plot in Cedar Grove, North Carolina.