Stephen “Yeoman” Carl Strom, age 55, of 1608 Michigan Avenue, Gladstone, went home to a glorious reunion with his Lord and Savior on Monday, November 7, 2005.
He left this world from his earthly home while surrounded by his loving family and many wonderful friends.
Steve was born on July 8, 1950 in Escanaba to Melvin and Lillian (Johnson) Strom. He graduated from Gladstone High School in 1968 and attended Bay de Noc Community College. On February 21, 1970 he married his high school sweetheart, Leroux Cowen. They made their home in Gladstone where, together, they have enjoyed its beauty for 35 years.
Steve worked at Mead Paper for 31 years and retired in 2000 …21 of those years were on the switch engine. Steve was a faithful member of First Lutheran Church. He served the Lord through his daily walk, as well as Keryx-Prison Ministry, Cursillo, & Habitat for Humanity. He loved being with his family and friends-especially summer campfires where everyone gathered to share, laugh, and sing along with Thad’s guitar. Over the years, Steve also enjoyed hunting and fishing with the boys, gardening, cooking, reading, and praying for everyone on his ‘world-wide, mile-long’ list.
Steve is survived by:
Wife: Leroux
Two sons, Erik of Gladstone; Thad (Renee) of Holt, MI
One daughter, Elin (John) Carlson of Neenah, WI
Steve was known as “Papa” to his 7 grandchildren; Britini, Stephen, Abbey, Jacob, Austin, Chloe, and Samuel, all of whom loved to help in papa’s garden.
Steve also leaves his mother, Lillian Strom and three brothers, Dave (Marcia) of Escanaba, Chuck (Sally) of Gladstone and Paul (Gretchen) of Menominee.
He is preceded in death by his father, Melvin, a brother, Todd, grandparents, Carl and Lillie Johnson, Emil and Anna Strom, and his in-laws Paul and Nathaline Cowen.
Steve will be sadly missed both for his Christian example and his great-big-bear hugs! Steve always knew beyond a shadow of doubt that he was a child of God and that when he left this earth he would be “Home” in the presence of God Almighty and Jesus his Lord and Savior, for eternity. His strength and hope was in Christ alone! AMEN In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Steve may be directed to World Hunger or to the First Lutheran Church Quilting, envelopes will be available at First Lutheran Church or the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes.
Steve’s family will receive friends on Thursday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Stephen Carl Strom will follow at 5:30 P.M. at the First Lutheran Church with Rev. Jonathan Schmidt, Rev. Paul Strom and Rev. Stephen Cowen officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.
