Walter Stromstad

Walter Theodore Stromstad, 90, of Beltrami, MN, died peacefully early Tuesday morning, March 27, 2012, at the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Walter was born in Scandia Township, near Beltrami, on April 12, 1921, and was the 4th of 7 children of the union of Theodore and Helen (Evje) Stromstad. He grew up on the family farm, and was baptized and confirmed at the Scandia Lutheran Church, where he was a lifelong member until the church's closing. He received his high school diploma from the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston in 1938. On February 11, 1947, Walter was united in marriage to the love of his life, Charlene Walters, in a ceremony that took place at the Hafslo Lutheran Church, rural Crookston, MN. Walter and "Tootsie" lived and farmed in Scandia Township, where they raised their three children: Bruce, Chrys, and Cathy. He was a devoted member of the Scandia Lutheran Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher for many years, and was presently a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Beltrami. He served on the local school board for eighteen years, and was a current and longtime member of the Gideon's. In 1983 Walter retired from farming, and with great pride turned the operation over to his son, Bruce. Over the years he continued to help out with the planting and harvesting, and generally doing whatever was needed. It can be truthfully said that his farming days didn't end until he closed his eyes for the last time. Walter and Tootsie spent many winters in Casa Grande, AZ, enjoying old friendships and forming many new ones. He became an avid golfer, and continued to play for many years, a pastime that was 2nd only to his enjoyment of music. Walter was blessed with a pure tenor voice and sang at countless numbers of weddings, funerals, and community functions. For a long time he also sang with the Scandia Men's Quartet. At 1969's Red River Valley Winter Shows in Crookston Walter and Tootsie received the prestigious ' Honored Dairymen' award. In 1983 they were recipients of the 'Polk County Farmer and Homemaker Award' presented by the Red River Valley Development Association. In 1988 the Northwest School Alumni Association bestowed on them the "Top Aggie" award. Walter loved his wife and family with all his heart, not only providing for them, but always keeping them in his prayers and instilling in them his deeply held values and love of Jesus. With his last breath he sang to them, "May the Good Lord bless and keep you, until we meet again." Walter is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Charlene; son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Linda Stromstad of Beltrami, MN; and daughter and son-in-law, Chrys and Tom O'Neill of New London, MN. Very sadly, he was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Cathy Haugen, who died on December 30, 2010. He also leaves his son-in-law, Dan Haugen of Dana Point, CA; 6 grandsons and a granddaughter: Bryce (Nancy) Stromstad of Frazee, MN, Kory (Stacy) Stromstad and Kyle (Sheila) Stromstad of Crookston, MN, Stacy (Chad) Christianson of Duluth, MN, Jared (Jeanna) O'Neill of Clara City, MN, Jordan O'Neill of New London, and Austin Haugen (fiancé, Erin Howe) of San Francisco, CA; 9 great-grandchildren- "his precious little ones"; a sister, Clara Johnson of Moorhead, MN; a brother, Raymond (Marvie) Stromstad of Beltrami; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In addition to his daughter, Cathy, Walter is preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Melvin and John Stromstad; and 2 sisters, Dora Opdahl and Edna Stromstad. May God richly bless Walter's memory. The funeral service in celebration of the life of Walter Theodore Stromstad will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 31, 2012, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Beltrami, MN, with The Rev. Ernie Christensen, officiating. Visitation will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston on Friday from 5-7:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, and also at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the Scandia Cemetery, rural Beltrami. (www.stenshoelhouske.com )



Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, March 30, 2012
Service
Saturday, March 31, 2012
cemetery
Saturday, March 31, 2012