Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Elden Ray Strahm
1923 - 2010
Elden Ray Strahm
1923 - 2010
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1923
DIED
2010
Elden Strahm Obituary
Dutch was born in Arlington, Oregon, July 11th, 1923. Home was the local dairy, where he worked alongside his father Eddie, mother Mertie, sisters Lou & Neta, as well as, his brothers Lee & Vern. In high school, Dutch was a football star earning a scholarship to be an Oregon Duck. He and his beautiful wife Verna met in high school and married 67 years ago while he served in the Navy during WWII. He and Verna raised three children, Chuck, Connie and Karen in Arlington & the Dalles, Oregon, working at the Stone Machinery and then Empire until moving to Phoenix 1959. Embarking on an adventure, with Jack Whiteman, his best friend and partner, Empire Southwest Machinery Company was born and boomed as the great State of Arizona grew. After retiring from the world of heavy equipment, Dutch and Verna enjoyed annual trips across this great country with his daughters; and treasured summer trips to Lake Powell, Munds Park, San Diego and of course to where it all began, the Columbia River Gorge. Dutch is survived by his loving wife Verna, children; Chuck, Connie & Karen, and grandchildren; Tawnya, Michelle, Marleen, Haley & Matthew. In addition, Dutch celebrated the births of each of his great-grandchildren; Kyle, Hunter, Colby, Connor, Dane & Madelyn. He lived his life true to his roots as a "Man's Man" & a "Ladies Gentleman". His humble hand and gracious heart will be tremendously missed in the lives of those he touched. Services will be held at Bethany Bible Church, 6060 North 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ to honor his Life & Love on Tuesday, July 13, 2010. Visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. with the service immediately following. Arrangements have been entrusted to A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bonnie Lou Peterson
July 17, 2010
Tho I was at the Celebration of Uncle Dutch's life and have previous guest book entries, my heart is so full of 69 yrs having Dutch as my uncle that I feel I must continue to express memories. We had 3 wonderful uncles on each side of the family (Lou's and Ralph's) but Uncle Dutch seemed to be born with gifts that left such an impression on those lucky enough to have him in our lives. Despite early hard times, as his son Chuck says he brought forward the values and ethics from childhood into later life. I think he saw how his Dad, Eddie took such care of his Mother, Mertie and as well, Uncle Dutch was a great Care-Taker of those around him. He had a gift to discern the priority of the moment and focus on that until done excellently. He had a love of life and of this Wonderful World and the hope of seeing loved ones again.
July 14, 2010
Great Uncle Dutch was one of the most caring, considerate and compassionate people I have ever met in my life. Great Uncle Dutch is a great role model for me in raising my son Luke Strahm-Jordan Peterson.
Love From Robin and Luke Peterson
July 13, 2010
Thinking of all of you. Dutch was a wonderful person that will be missed by many. Special prayers for Verna. Love Bev Crum
Bonnie Lou Peterson
July 13, 2010
Uncle Dutch was the sunshine in the room and Aunt Verna the sparkle !! My earliest memory was a crate of oranges from sunny Calif to cold Oregon after the war years. I looked forward to family events because Uncle Dutch took time to talk with every one of us kids. In our childhood, he organized seeing the Harlem Globe Trotters in Arlington, OR (1951) and family vacations to the Coast and Petersens Rock Gardens. He brought joy to fun times and his dynamic presence and wisdom to every problem. Whenever we see our little ones behave compassionately, we will see our Uncle Dutch. Whenever we see them strive for excellence and integrity, we will see our Uncle Dutch and we will always feel so blessed for knowing him !!
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
July 13, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you and i have sent some angels to guide you and comfort you .
love ,your friend Joyce Chambers
Bonnie & family Peterson
July 12, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Christy Whiteman Wilson
July 12, 2010
Dutch Strahm was a true gentleman. While I knew him because he was my grandfather Jack's right hand man, what I remember most about Dutch was how wonderful I always felt when I was around him. Any time I was at Empire, whether at board meetings with him or just visiting, he had a way of putting an arm around me and making me feel special. He was a unique combination of wisdom, smarts and genuine kindness and he will be sorely missed.
July 11, 2010
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
July 10, 2010
Our thoughts are with all of you. Uncle Dutch was one of a kind. Know you will all miss him a lot. Wish we could come for the service. Give Aunt Verna a hug for me. Elnora & Bill Califf
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
710 West Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013
Make a Donation
in Elden Strahm's name
How to support Elden's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Elden Strahm's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
