Lynne Marie Buckholtz Kron, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2024, in Miles City, Montana, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on July 9, 1941, in Glendive, Montana, to Herbert and Pearl Buckholtz, Lynne grew up with a strong sense of family, community, faith and a strong work ethic. While attending Custer County High school, she met the love of her life, Mark Kron, who became her high school sweetheart and lifelong partner. They were married on April 8, 1961, in Miles City, Montana, and shared over 50 wonderful years together before Mark’s passing on July 2, 2012.
Lynne was a devoted mother to her two children, Alison Kron and Guy Kron, who were her greatest sources of pride and joy. She cherished every moment spent with them, offering unwavering love, guidance, and support throughout their lives.
We often thought if Lynne were born 50 years later , she would have been an Engineer . She was always pondering quantum physics and string theory. She would find innovative ways to solve issues around the home and in her business. [i]A woman of boundless energy and creativity, Lynne remained ever active, whether she was working in her yard, walking her dogs, or rearranging the furniture in her house. Lynne also brought her artistic talents to life by working for many years colorizing/tinting the historic photographs of LA Huffman, a project that allowed her to combine her love for history and art. Her work on these photographs contributed to preserving the legacy of the American West in a new and vibrant way.
Her culinary creativity led to the invention of the Paco, a beloved meat-filled fry bread that became a favorite memory for countless people. Lynne and Mark brought this creation to life at the Crystal Pistol, a lively restaurant they opened in the 1976 in Miles City. Serving steak, pizza, burgers, Pacos, and beer, the Crystal Pistol became a cherished gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Lynne ran the kitchen for many years, employing and mentoring numerous Miles City folks, leaving an indelible mark on her community.
Lynne’s humor was infectious, from her delightful animal voices to her playful wordplay and creative phrases. She always knew how to make those around her laugh, filling every room with joy and light. Her wit and Humor really made her special and fun to be around.
Lynne was known for her warm heart, generous spirit, and deep commitment to her family and friends. She is survived by her children, Alison Kron and Guy Kron; her son-in-law, Randy Moser; her daughter-in-law, Robyn Shields; her grandchildren, Melina Saunders, Sienna Moser, Dean Moser, Mitchel Moser, Tre Kron, and Mckeelyn Kron; her great-granddaughter, Serenity Saunders; her brother, Kenneth Buckholtz; her niece, Tracy Blake, her husband, Tom Blake, and their two daughters, Chelsea and Nicole; and her nephew, Kim Kron, his wife, Julie, and their daughter Lauren and son Taylor. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Kron, and her parents, Herbert and Pearl Buckholtz.
A celebration of Lynne’s life is planned to be on July 9, 2025 with more details to follow.
Please send correspondence to Lynne’s daughter: Alison Kron , 1133 Chestnut drive , Longmont C0 , 80503
Or text 303-807-8136. Let us know if you want to join us in July in Miles City and we will send you details when we get closer.
Lynne’s warmth, creativity, and presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her—and in every Paco shared and every photo she colorized/tinted.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Bonnie Mace says
So sorry to hear of Lynne ‘passing she was fun to work with at Paco packers. Rest in Peace
Nancy says
So sorry to hear about Lynne passing . I worked for her and Mark at Paco Packers. Very good lady she will be missed
Deb Jerrel says
Allison, Guy and family, so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. She was very nice and I always thought she was so pretty…💔🙏
Julie K says
Lynne made the best chili. She was a great cook. Many meals were eaten at the Crystal Pistol. I’m sorry to see that she has passed, but she deserves the eternal rest. My sympathy to her family.
Barbara Ashley says
Very sorry for your loss. I worked with Lynn at Paco Packers. I enjoyed our many conversations about her invention of the Paco and the many years of experiences at the Crystal Pistal and other things she had done in her life ( coloring photos from Coffrins). Lynne was a wonderful person , very humble and a hard worker. I am very sad for your loss, her family meant the world to her.
Nancy Fillafer says
So sorry to hear of her passing. I loved going to the Crystal Pistal. The Enchaladas were very good. I always saw her walking her dog. She a very nice lady. I also loved her & Marks Pacos. I sure miss them. May Lynne rest in peace. God bless her.
Martha Crandall says
my sympathy
Sandy Parker Anderson says
I babysat Guy and Alison when they were little. Mark and Lynn lived just down the street from us. They were great neighbors and friends for years. I want to be put on the list for the celebration of Lynn’s life. It wasn’t very long ago that Lynn and I had a great visit at Reynolds. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ll keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike Archdale says
So sorry to read the passing of Lynn. I loved the Crystal Pistol. The gathering place for some of the greatest individuals ever that lived in Miles City. The historical artifacts that Mark saved from the garbage. Mark’s stories of being a photographer for the “Miles City Star.” Prayers and thoughts for the Kron family.
Scott Pering says
Kathy worked at the Crystal Pistol. I have many fond memories of Mark and Lynne. My prayers and sympathy to family and friends.
Vicki Larson says
So sad to hear of Lynne’s passing. Please put Vicki Larson and three kids down for the July celebration of life in MC.
Melody Meade Haynes says
Lynne was my cousin Mark’s wife. I still remember Mark & Lynne dating. I was about 9 then. Lynne has always had a special place in my heart. I so enjoyed running into her at a store now & then. I also tried to stop by her home to visit, as often as possible. Lynne did the color tinting on my high school graduation photo, as she did many others, while at Coffrin’s Studio. Guy was the ring bearer at our wedding, as a boy. It is with great sorrow that she is now gone. She is with her family in heaven. Someday, I hope to see her again. God bless the family as they try to find peace in their hearts.
John Strom says
She was a wonderful woman. She was so nice she sold me beer at 5AM! Woke her up out of a dead sleep! Gotta love her. She’ll be missed.
Gary Coffrin says
I send my condolences to Alison and Guy. Becoming an adult orphan is so impactful.
During my youth, I would often see Lynne at Coffrin’s Old West Gallery at 1600 Main. She started working for Jack and Vivian Coffrin part-time as a high school student and continued for decades. Mom always spoke lovingly of Lynne’s talent, skills, and good nature. Lynne was the same age as Mom’s daughter, and that made her fondness for Lynn even greater. I treasure my chat with Lynn in 2018, after Al and Glady Turnquist had arranged a get-together.