March 3, 2004 Sawyer County Record

Gustav ‘Gus’ L. Strom, 82, of Racine, Wis. , died on Feb. 27 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Racine.

He was born Gustav Leonarth Strom on March 6, 1921 in Vennesla, Norway to parents Karl Josef Strom and Agnes Rakkestad.

He attended school in Winter and graduated with honors from Lakeview High School in Chicago, Ill.

He entered military service in July of 1942 and served in Northern France, the Rhineland, the Ardennes, and Central Europe. He was in the battle of Normandy (D-Day) and the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded in battle on Feb. 8, 1945 and received a Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged from the Army in Nov. 1945.

He was married on Jan. 3, 1948 to Gloria E. Biller. An avid athlete, he enjoyed playing baseball for several teams in northern Wisconsin in the 1950’s and 60’s. He became the manager and coach of the Hayward Hawks Baseball team and led the team to championships during his years of management. He was an ardent Cubs fan. He was a great father and friend and devoted his life to his children, selflessly sacrificing everything for them and his family. In his quiet, wise and gentle way he taught the family a lot.

Survivors include three children, Mary Deborah (Russell) Carlsen, Valerie Kristine (Michael) Coffman and John Jay (Marcy) Strom; his beloved granddaughter Katie Strom Coffman; two brothers, Karl Strom of Franklin Wis. and Bill Strom of Kenosha; two sisters, Mildred Strom of Hayward and Lee Fjeldheim of Aiken, S.C.; and beloved nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was his older brother Hank Strom.

Funeral: Memorial services will be conducted at the Zion Lutheran Church in Winter on March 6 (his 83rd birthday) at noon, with the Rev. Bryan Crocker officiating.

Burial: Interment with full military honors will follow at Winter Cemetery.

Visitation: Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of services.

Memorials: A scholarship fund is being organized in his memory. Memorial donations to that fund can be made to one of the members of the family for that purpose.

Arrangements by Maresh, Meredith and Acklam Funeral Home, Racine.
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