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MOM & DAD DIVAN
Staff Sgt. H. Divan, Camp Cook, CA 1945
Harold Edward Divan was born 1March1919 in Argyle, WI
the 2nd child of Edward I. and Margarete Ann Ryan Divan.
He was raised on the family farm in WI until
1929 when the family, consisting of 6 children, moved
to Rockford, IL. Eventually, 3 more children would
join this family. In June of 1941 Harold was
drafted into the U.S. Army and went to Ft. Knox,
KY for his Basic Training. He came out
of Basic as a Motor Sgt and was assigned to
Camp Cook in CA. During WWII he was in
Bouganivilla for 2 years. He was discharged in November
of 1945. In May of 1946 he met and
subsequently married Marjorie Jayne Cronkrite,
daughter ofCharles and Hazil
Goman Cronkrite. The couple were married 22 September 1946
in Grace Methodist Church in Rockford, IL by the
Rev. Sidney Bloomquist.
The Happy Couple
Harold got a job at Barber-Colman Co. in Rockford
and they set up housekeeping. A short while later
on July 30 1947 they had their first child, a son,
Richard Wayne Divan. Three years later on 17 January 1950,
they had another son, Craig Ernest Divan.
The following years were good to Mom and Dad as
they prospered and raised their family. They were a
happy family, involved with school, PTA, Cub Scouts, Church and
music lessons. Then on 27th of January 1961 a
beautiful baby boy entered their lives.
Charles Edward Divan was born! Charlie was the
apple of the whole families eye. A bouncing baby
with a great big smile.
And Then There was Charlie!
Rick also wanted me to let everyone know that Harold
was a fantastic Auto Mechanic. Harold could fix any
car on the road! He also taught his sons
this fantastic talent and I, for one, am overjoyed
in this fact. Rick's knowledge of cars, thanks
to his Father, has been a tremendous help to us
over the the years and has contributed greatly to
Rick's success in the trucking industry. Thank you Dad.
We love you.!
In 1971 Harold and Marjorie celebrated 25 years of marriage
with a party attended by their family and friends.
No more Arctic Rockford winters for Mom and Dad!
Harold retired in April 1979 after 27 years with Barber-
Coleman and on the 11 of June 1979 they hitched
up their mobile home and headed for the Arizona Territory
as Marjorie's parents had done before them. Charlie had
just graduated from high school and was headed for the
Army, Rick was married to Carol Jeanne Gustafson and living
in Washington State and Craig was living on his own
in Rockford. They were now ready to retire and
enjoy their own persuits!
Their years in Arizona have been and are filled with
fun, family and friends. In 1980 Sandra Elder joined
the family by saying "I Do" to Charlie, now known as
Chuck. Shortly thereafter Chuck and Sandy had a beautiful
baby girl. Jessica Marie Divan. Followed by the
adoption of another beautiful daughter,Rebecca Jayne Divan.
On September 22, 1996, Mom and Dad celebrated their
50th Wedding Anniversary in Las Vegas, NV. Rick and
I trucked in from Illinois, Chuck, Sandy, Jessica & Becca
came from Utah and Craig accompanied Mom and Dad
in their flight from AZ. It had been a
long time since the whole family had been together.
We all enjoyed our time together and visiting the sites
around Las Vegas and, of course, the slot machines!
Mom was a regular dynamo telling us all where to
go (something, I am sure, she has wanted to do
for a long time!) and leading the procession.
Her energy was tireless! But, unfortunately, it had to
end. Now we keep in touch with cards,
letters and email!
MOM & DAD ~ 50 YEARS
I am sure Mom and Dad would love to hear from friends
and family! Contact them via email at Kokopelli2424@msn.com
The Leonard Divan Family
To Charles & Hazil(Goman)Cronkrite
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