David Strom

David Allen Strom, 83, Green Bay, WI, passed away peacefully, from complications of an extended illness, surrounded by his family on November 24, 2013, at Alpha Senior Concepts.

David was born on December 22, 1929, in Mankato, MN, to the late Bernice Olsen Strom Starr Jones and Henrik Strom. On March 31, 1951, he married his college sweetheart, Barbara Mae Togstad in Whitefish Bay, WI. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Business Administration in June 1951. Dave served his country as an officer in the Army Field Medical Corp during the Korean Conflict.

The Stroms moved to Green Bay when IBM transferred Dave in 1960. Next, he joined Paper Converting to stay in the area. In the mid-sixties, David acquired Valley Engraving with his partner, Jim Kellam. From there he developed Valley Microforms, opening branches in Milwaukee, Chicago, Madison, New Orleans, and Houston. Dave served for many years as a Director for First Star Bank.

Dave was interested in promoting education though volunteer work. He was appointed to the State of Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board. David chaired the committee to develop the College of Creative Communication at UWGB. He was also on the Board of Trustees of Lakeland College and elected to the Green Bay School Board.

David volunteered in the Green Bay community, as well. For the United Way, he chaired the Annual Fund Drive in the sixties and also served on the board for years. In his long-term membership at Union Congregational United Church of Christ, his contributions ranged from teaching Sunday school to singing in the choir and raising funds.

Music was an important part of David's life. In the
Green Bay Symphony, he played trombone and was a member of the board. Dave also tooted his horn as a charter member in the "Last of the Big Bands". He sang for many years in the Dudley Birder Chorale and the Union Congregational Church choir.

In his free time, Dave enjoyed sports. He loved to golf and was a long time member of Oneida Golf and Country Club. He snow skied and played tennis, too. As loyal Green Bay Packer backers and ticket holders, Dave and Barbara attended two Super Bowl games.

David and Barbara had many lovely adventures in the US and abroad including the following locations: Israel and Turkey, Bethlehem, Australia, China, Norway, England, East Germany, Hawaii, and Alaska. For peace and quiet, David often retreated to Door County with his family.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Barbara. His daughters: Sara Miller (Howard), Brookfield; Nancy Solhaug (Marty), Minneapolis; Heidi Mercer (Bill), Town of Wheaton; Rändi Fay (John) and Wendy Holland, both of Green Bay. His grandchildren: Erik Solhaug; Tom, Dave, and Melanie Mercer; Kristy Fay (Rick Joachim), Kevin, and Kyle Fay; Jennifer Holland-Haigh (Ryan), Chris, Sam, and Emily Holland.
Also survived by his sister: Betty Nelson (Duane), Beloit. His mother and father, and Tiggr, the great American brown dog, and numerous cats predecease David. His first great-granddaughter Joachim is expected to arrive in January 2014, as the circle of life continues.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dave's life on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at Union Congregational United Church of Christ; 716 S. Madison St., Green Bay, WI, 54301. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 am with the service immediately following. Private Internment is planned in Door County, WI.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials preferred to:
Salvation Army, Heritage Hill State Historical Park, or Union Congregational United Church of Christ.

The family wishes to extend genuine thanks to Dr. David Kaufman, Dr. Richard Timmons, Dr. Mark Jenson, and Bellin Health Care Systems. A special thanks to the kind and respectful staff of Alpha Senior Concepts who provided a comfortable home away from home for David. We are thankful for the compassionate care Dave received from Hospice Advantage. Finally, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to Betty Varga who has devoted many years to Dave's care.