Robert W Strom

Robert (Bob) Wayne Strom age 79. Beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Little Hospice in Edina, MN with his family at his side.

He was born at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis, baptized and confirmed at Luther Memorial Church and graduated from Robbinsdale High School.  He continued his education at Dunwoody College of Technology where he graduated with a degree in Machine Tool Technology.

He was drafted but instead joined the Navy where he served from 1963-1965 on the U.S.S. America and the U.S.S. Enterprise as a 4-A in Squadron VA 66.  He participated in Operation Sea Orbit's round-the-world tour as the USA’s first nuclear aircraft carrier.  After his discharge he went to work for Olsen Tool & Plastics, Inc. which he eventually purchased.  Throughout his career, he helped develop many medical devices including heart pumps, heart valves, and instrumentation to install them. He was also instrumental in bringing a line of pipefittings to market.

In 1969 he married Arlene (Ekdahl).  They enjoyed fifty-four years together and traveling. They visited Petra, Manchu Picchu, the pyramids, Israel, Easter Island and many other overseas destinations.
Bob’s life was characterized by service to his church, the Boy Scouts and Dunwoody College of Technology.  He served on many boards and especially enjoyed fund raising.  He cherished time with his wife and family, enjoyed eating out, watching Laurence Welk and spending time just looking at the ocean or lake.

He had many friends but most fondly remembers, John Townsend who he met in the 8th grade Jr. High band.  They enjoyed traveling, camping, and duck hunting and were stationed together their entire time in the Navy.  After their time in the navy, John worked with Bob for fifty-two years. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Bonnie Strom.  He is survived by his wife, Arlene Strom, daughter Susan Strom (husband, Daniel Dudzinski), son, John Strom and daughter, Katherine Lambert (Brian); grandchildren, Thomas, Trevor and Tyler Lambert and Emily and David Dudzinski; brother, Lawrence Strom (DeeDee); sister Jane Tayler (Jeff), sister in law, Yvonne Ekdahl; several nieces, friends and business associates all who loved him very much.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 7 from 6:00 to 8:00p.m. at David Lee Funeral Home in Wayzata and a memorial service will be held at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00a.m.

Memorials are preferred to Glory of Christ Lutheran Church or to Little Hospice in Edina for the wonderful care they gave him.

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