Richard Strom

Services for Richard L. Strom, 63, of Groton will be 2:00 pm, Tuesday, February 17th at St. John's Lutheran Church, Groton. Rev. Craig Grams will officiate. Burial will follow in Groton Union Cemetery under the direction of Paetznick-Garness Funeral Chapel, Groton.

Visitation will be held at the church from 4-8 pm on Monday with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue prior to services on Tuesday.

Dick passed away February 13, 2009 at his residence near Groton.

Richard Leland Strom was born on February 14, 1945 in Aberdeen to Carl and Ethel (Matthews) Strom. He attended country school through the 4th grade and graduated from Groton High School in 1963. Dick continued his education at Northern State College, earning a degree in Industrial Arts. He united in marriage with Sandra Dunker on October 6, 1966 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Ferney. Together they made their home on the family farm.

Dick was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Groton and a former member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Ferney. He was active in both congregations serving over the years as Sunday School teacher and superintendent, treasurer, and elder. Dick also served on the East Hanson Township Board. He enjoyed attending sporting events and driving the activities bus.

Dick's life centered on family and farming. He held close relationships with many but had a special bond with his brother and lifetime best friend, Luverne.

Celebrating his life through memories is his wife, Sandy; his children, Rich (Mary) Strom of Great Falls, Montana; Terri (Brian) Schuring of Groton; Joey (Josh) Schilling of Denver, Colorado; nine grandchildren, Matt, Michael, Jakob and Sara Strom; Morgan, Alexa and Sean Schuring; Finley and Malakai Schilling; two brothers, Luverne (Carol) Strom of Groton; Charles (Betty) Strom of Groton; his sister, Bernyce (Robert) Resset of Mesa, Arizona and his many friends including his Card Club Gang.

Preceding him in death were his parents, sister, Blanche Moen and favorite uncle, Lloyd Strom.

Honorary Casketbearers will be Dick's treasured grandchildren.

Casketbearers will be Ralph Borge, Art Gengerke, John Gibbs, Jerry Johnson, Bill McKiver, Terry Meister, Bruce Merkel and Alan Strom.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the North Plains Hospice of Avera St. Lukes, 305 South State Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401 or to Kidney Cancer Association, P.O. Box 3516, Oakbrook, IL 60522-3516.

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