Merle Strom

Merle Strom passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, at Episcopal Church Home at the remarkable age of 105.
Born on March 5, 1920, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to John and Esther Hermann, Merle lived a full and meaningful life. She was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, also building a successful part-time career at the First Trust Company, where she worked in data and stock transfers.
Merle pursued her education at Macalester College and Rasmussen Business School. There she met two "Bobs" one who would become her husband and one who married her sister Audrey. She married Robert (Bob) Strom on February 15, 1947, and shared 63 wonderful years together until his passing in 2010.
They were married at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, where she was a lifelong member since the age of five. She remained a faithful member throughout her life, volunteering regularly in the nursery, kitchen crew, and Meals on Wheels program.
Merle enjoyed a wide range of interests, including bridge club, bowling leagues, travel, and music. She loved gardening, often accompanied by her gin and tonics-her "favorite beverage." Merle will be lovingly remembered for her warm smile and kind words that left a lasting impact on everyone she met.
She lived independently at her home on Goodrich Avenue until the age of 103. Merle's final two years were spent at Episcopal Church Home, where she continued to enjoy life's simple pleasures, maintaining her enthusiasm for activities, friends, and good humor.
Merle was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Strom; her parents, Esther and John Hermann; and her sisters, Jean Harkness and Audrey Groene.
She is survived by her loving descendants:
Children: Nancy Ninnemann (Rosemount), Jean Hagen (Jeff) of Wayzata, and Susan Strom (Barry) of Eagan
Grandchildren: Jim Ninnemann (Kristine), Ann Ninnemann, Justin Hagen (Crystal), and Neeley Kauffmann (Chad)
Great-grandchildren: James & Cameron Ninnemann, Zoe Hagen & Alice Hagen
Visitation and Services: Pending