In cherished memory of Gary James Krohn (Gary Violin), who passed away peacefully at 73 in Santa Rosa, California. He fought a brave 12-year battle with cancer and subsequent surgical complications, inspiring all who knew him with his resilience and spirit.
Gary was born and raised in Wisconsin in low-income housing in Milwaukee, and was the eldest of two. Gary was a devoted father to his two children, Shayna Rae Krohn and Garrison Eldon Howard Krohn, who reside in Wisconsin. His loving brother, Jeffrey James Krohn, mother, Dorothy J. Krohn, and father, James Krohn, preceded him in death.
By 8, Gary learned to play the guitar and violin. Music was Gary’s heart and soul, and constant companion, shaping his life in profound ways. At the age of 10, he played the violin with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, a pivotal moment that set the stage for his musical journey.
In 1973, bringing his unique blend of vocals and violin to their performances throughout Wisconsin, captivating audiences with their soulful melodies and pop power. In 1976, he moved to the Minneapolis area and auditioned for well-known rock band, Chameleon, where his versatility as a lead singer/violinist earned him a spot in the band. For many years, Chameleon, with Gary’s distinct musical influence, dominated the club scene in Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Chicago.He played with several musical groups during his career, developing his unique style with each one. Gary joined the popular group, Suds.
In 1979, Gary’s disillusionment with the rock and roll scene led him to a Billy Graham Crusade. There he found a new path, embracing Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord. This marked a profound turning point in his life. His journey led him to a church Bible study where he was encouraged to visit the Lighthouse Ranch, a Christian commune in Humboldt County, California, in order to deepen his newfound faith.
Without hesitation, Gary moved to California, where he spent years dedicated to various church work projects. In committing his music to God, he found a new purpose in his musical gift that deepened his faith. He formed bands like The Lighthouse Band and The James Brothers Band with his brother using music as a way to express his faith and serve his community.
In 1985, The Lighthouse Band was invited to perform at WE Fest, one of the largest country music festivals in the nation, a milestone in his career. For the next five years, their performances during The Gospel Hour left an enduring impact on the audience.
In 1997, Gary and his family made a pivotal move to Ukiah, California, where they became community leaders by purchasing a weekly newspaper. Gary operated the newspaper with a strong sense of responsibility and dedication as the owner-publisher until he sold it in 1999.
From 1998 to 2004, he formed and performed as a member of The Power of God Band for Spirit Fest, a national Christian family festival in Minnesota. The band performed the worship set and served as backup band for many renowned artists.
From 2002 until 2012, Gary successfully built, opened and purchased licensing agreements for Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt stores in San Diego and Sonoma Counties.
In 2012, Gary faced his first cancer diagnosis and made a life-changing decision to leave the frozen yogurt business and fully commit to his musical passion and calling. He performed tirelessly across Northern California, from Healdsburg Plaza to churches and concert venues.
In 2018, Gary’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to open a recording studio in Santa Rosa, where he dedicated himself to engineering and producing numerous songs, albums, and even audiobooks, including his own album.
As his last wish and gift to those he loved and shared his music with, Gary requested that this album and accompanying comic book, Project Nest, be released at his memorial service on his birthday, Nov, 11, 2024. Each attendee received a copy of the book and access to the music of this final project.
Gary’s ongoing support of the local unhoused community was a passion, and a significant part of his life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.
This article appears in ‘Doing its Part’.