Melvin John Strom

Went to be with his Lord on December 23, 2010 at home surrounded by his family who loved him more than words can say. Melvin was born in Berkeley, CA on August 13, 1943. His family soon moved to Cupertino, CA where he attended elementary school and the first three years of high school. In 1960 he moved to Healdsburg, completing high school at Healdsburg High School and working on the family's Dry Creek Valley prune ranch. Mel graduated from Santa Rosa Junior College and in 1964 married his wife, Meredith, who he loved totally and selflessly for over 46 years. Mel served in the US Navy from 1967-1970 and returned home to graduate from Empire Business College with a degree in accounting. Mel loved everything with an engine, including cars, boats, motorcycles and trucks, especially if they went fast. Following Empire College he spent most of his working career working at Opperman and Sons in Healdsburg, first as an accountant and later selling trucks, which he loved doing. Mel's favorite times were spent with his children and grandchildren, including church and school programs, baseball, basketball and volleyball games, camping weekends at Doran Beach, and rental houses at Lake Almanor, along with lots of dinners and times just being to together. Mel is survived by his wife, Meredith; his son, Erik (Laura), his daughter Leslie (Joe) Stadum; his grandchildren, Kelsey, Jenna and Bethany Strom, J.T. and Alana Stadum; his brother Richard (Loni) Strom; his brothers in law Boyd (Kim) Shelton and Paul (Lynda) Shelton; his sister in law Betty Shelton and Addean Faust; numerous nieces and nephews; and those who throughout his life adopted him and called him "Dad". Mel spent his entire life loving his God and his family. Everything he did was prayed through and in the best interests of those he loved. He served the Lord at his church as everything from a Sunday School teacher, bus driver, treasurer, young people's advisor and deacon, among other ministries, for over 50 years. A Victory Lane Celebration will be held at the Windsor First Baptist Church, 10285 Starr Road, Windsor, CA on Saturday, Jan 8th at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the First Baptist Church. SANTA ROSA MORTUARY EGGEN & LANCE CHAPEL, 545-3747