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Dr. Arnold James "Arny" Stromberg
Dr. Arnold James "Arny" Stromberg
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Arnold Stromberg Obituary
Dr. Arnold James "Arny" Stromberg, 63, passed away September 17, 2023. He is survived by his wife Gretchen and their four children: Sarah Sobalvarro (Ricardo), Kate Stromberg (Jake Skayhan), Emily Brekke (David), and Hans Stromberg (Bailey) as well as his siblings: Peter Stromberg (Nelly Vanzetti), Andy Stromberg (Allison) Liz Laderman (Steve), John Stromberg (Ann) and Maija Durrett (Russ). Arnold was born in Minneapolis, MN and raised in W. Lafayette, IN where his father was a professor at Purdue and his mother lovingly raised 6 children. He attended Stanford University as an undergraduate in Mathematics followed by enrollment at the University of North Carolina as a Ph.D. student in statistics. After graduation he accepted his first job at the University of MN as a Statistics Instructor but soon was offered a tenure track job at the University of KY. He and his wife Gretchen and their first child Sarah moved from St. Paul, MN to Lexington, KY in 1991. Arnold lived a life that flowed from faith in His Savior Lord Jesus. Because he knew that God loved Him and died to save Him from his sin, he was free to live joyfully serving others. He loved being a part of helping at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lexington, KY as Treasurer and Trustee and he faithfully brought his family to hear God's word full of saving grace and love. He was fulfilled and thrived in his vocation as a Statistics professor at the University of KY for 30 years where friendships were formed with colleagues and students. His wife Gretchen and his family of 4 children, Sarah, Kate, Emily and Hans were his pride and joy. He loved to serve and give to them as a devoted husband and father. He especially enjoyed making and sharing meals with them. Arny was a dedicated UK sports fan always rooting for the athletes to make extraordinary plays. He was especially grateful to have such loving and caring family through his 5 siblings and his loving extended family on Gretchen's side. It was a highlight of his life to see his own family grow with the marriage of his 3 daughters and youngest son. He loved that God brought them all together and hoped that they will teach their children to know the same love he knew as a child of God. A funeral service will be held 10AM Monday, September 18, 2023 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in Lexington Cemetery. Kerr Brothers Funeral Home – Main St. in charge of arrangements.
Please consider a memorial donation to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and/or the University of KY Bing Zhang Department of Statistics.
12 Entries
Rebecca Weems, Ph.D.
December 4, 2024
It´s tough to learn, much less accept, more than a year after, that one of my favorite people in my life is gone. My contact in recent years was sporadic, `as the spirit moved me´, call or email. Arny was an excellent teacher - I still have my notes from my Ph.D. stats class. Arny was on my committee - he was supportive. He was a prof who helped a doctoral student achieve, not one who created barriers.
Several years post-Ph.D we did the `Starbucks´ reconnection thing. Soon we´d established a business based on one of his statistics `inventions´. We had fun and gave it a great effort, but sadly, companies do not want to part with data, so, I had to move on to other things. But, Arny was always there. I´d text or call and we´d pick up as if only a day had passed. I will remember Arny as a generous, free-thinking, open, engaging and brilliant man with a quick humor, who adored his wife, children and family. It was and is a honor for me to count Arny as a beloved friend. My shock and sorrow, a year delayed, is new and raw,: since Covid I´ve become a bit of a `turnip´. All I can say to Gretchen is that I am so very sorry for her loss. I know that the void in the world that was Arny will remain. I miss him.
Steven Taylor, Ph.D.
May 8, 2024
Dr. Stromberg made me feel old, but in a positive way. In 1990 I returned to school at the University of Minnesota, in pursuit of a Ph.D. Dr. Stromberg was the first professor I faced, and I was intimidated because (1) he was younger than I was, and (2) I had never before taken a class with nearly 200 other students. Dr. Stromberg's thorough instruction, and his desire to help the students allayed my anxieties about being in such a large class and about my first encounter in a class where the professor was a bit younger than I was. Having him as the professor was a positive experience, and I am grateful. I am sorry to hear of his passing, and my prayers are with his loved ones.
Daret St. Clair
September 27, 2023
An insightful internal advisor of the UK Center for Excellence in Cancer and Metabolism. Our whole team will miss you and your thoughtful advice.
Charlie Liu
September 25, 2023
Dr. Stromberg's contribution to our department and to us students have been nothing short of remarkable. His patience, support, and unwavering passion for the field of statistics and statistical methodologies have left an indelible mark on all of us. I still recall the warm welcome he extended when I first joined the department under his leadership as the department chair.
Over the years, Dr. Stromberg had not only been my adviser but also a mentor who had guided me through countless research projects. His invaluable advice had extended beyond academia - from enhancing my CV to crafting letters of recommendation, offering job search strategies, and forwarding emails that have benefitted not only me but many other students as well. As a committee member for both my dissertation proposal and defense, his attentive listening and insightful feedback significantly contributed to the quality of my work.
The list of his contributions is extensive, and a simple "thank you" feels inadequate to express the depth of my gratitude. He had been a guiding light in my academic journey, and I will forever cherish the knowledge and wisdom he have imparted.
I miss you very much Dr. Stromberg, and my prayer is with your family. May you rest in peace.
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Nigel Cooper
September 21, 2023
A wonderful colleague and friend of the KY-INBRE Program. Loved his sense of humor. Miss you Arny. Nigel Cooper
Susan Murphy
September 19, 2023
We will miss you Arny.... Susan Murphy
Eric Blalock
September 19, 2023
Arny was, for me, like for so many others, a colleague, an ally, and a friend. The world is a better place because he was in it. Thank you Arny. To Gretchen, who long ago helped typeset a book for me, and to Arny's children and family, my condolences on your loss.
Eric Blalock
Isaac Nakamura
September 19, 2023
Words cannot express how thankful I am to Dr. Stromberg. I owe a large part of my success in academics and career to him, since he always supported me in my graduate school years.
When I expressed my interest going into biostatistics filed to him, he actually remembered my desire and put me as a research assistant at the cancer center. He always made sure that I (and all other students) have financial support to continue research as a graduate student. He really cared us and tangibly showed it to us.
I am proud to be his student and will miss him very much.
September 19, 2023
To my good friend and colleague Arny who was loved by all. I send condolences to friends and family.
Mike Kutner
Emory University Professor
Zaid Al-Khaledi
September 18, 2023
Dr. Stromberg was one of the most supportive professor I've ever had. His legacy of guidance and care will live on in my heart.
Shaowli Kabir
September 18, 2023
Arny was one of the most kind and encouraging souls I've ever met. I feel lucky that I got to meet and work with him when I came to the University of Kentucky. He was a great mentor and will always be an inspiration for me.
Derek Young
September 18, 2023
Arny thrived in both life and work, and he was supportive of every person who was in his life. I can´t express how grateful I am for all he did for me since I came to the University of Kentucky. Arny left a tremendous legacy, and he will be greatly missed.
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