Charles Strom

Services for Charles Strom, 72, of Groton will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 26th at the United Methodist Church, Groton. Rev. Jack Erickson will officiate. Burial will follow in Groton Union Cemetery under the direction of Paetznick-Garness Funeral Chapel, Groton.

Visitation will be held Tuesday at the church from 4-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m.

Charles passed away October 22, 2011 at Avera St. Lukes Hospital, Aberdeen.

Charles Albert Strom was born December 1, 1938, in rural Groton, SD to Carl Oliver and Ethel Florence (Matthews) Strom. He attended country school and helped on the family farm growing up. He attended Groton High School and graduated in 1957. He went to Northern State College for two years where he played basketball, under Coach Bob Wachs.

He married Betty Ellen Swanson on June 24, 1963, in Miami, Florida. He continued to farm till 1994, when the family moved into Groton. He loved animals and working with them.

Charlie was very active in his community; he served on the REA board for 13 years, in which he was president for nine years. He served on the Groton School board for 12 years, in which he was president for 6 years. He was a member of Feather and Fin Sports Club for several years and served in many positions in area Horseman Organizations. He operated the clock at almost every home basket and volley ball games for the past 37 years.

Charlie strongly believed in supporting youth activities. He served as 4-H leader for 10 years. He was a coach for Y basketball teams for 10 years and ran Saturday morning basketball clinics for several years. He helped organize the local FFA Alumni Chapter and became a lifetime member of FFA in 1986.

Charles was recognized as one of Groton's Outstanding Leaders in 1994, he was also recognized were his Distinguished Service to the Rural Electrification Program by the REA in 1994. The Groton FFA Chapter honored his service to the FFA program with an Honorary Chapter Farmer Degree in 1986.

Charlie was active in the Groton United Methodist Church serving as a Youth Leader for several years, was President of the church board and Financial Chairman.

Charles is survived by his wife, Betty and his three children; Charlene Telkamp, Cynthia Bergman and Charles Dale Strom, their children, Tyrel Telkamp, Trista (John) Burton, Tara Telkamp, Virginia Bergman, Victoria Bergman, Baily Job and one Great-Grandson, Austyn Michael Burton. He is also survived by one brother, Laverne (Carol) Strom and one sister, Bernyce (Bob) Russet.

Preceding him in death were his parents, one brother, Richard Strom, and Blanche Dockter, who was raised as a sister.

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