Merle J. Strom

Merle Strom, 73, of Elk Point, South Dakota, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at a local hospital.

Merle James Strom was born on June 6, 1952, to Lyle and Judith (Johnson) Strom in Bloomfield, Nebraska. He grew up on the family farm east of Bloomfield, where he attended rural grade school and later graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1970. One of nine children in a large and lively family, Merle developed a strong work ethic, resilience, and deep appreciation for family.

Merle dedicated 32 years of service as a delivery route driver for Wonder Bread and Hostess Cakes, retiring in 2008. He took pride in his work and in the relationships he built along his route, becoming a familiar and friendly face in the communities he served.

Merle was united in marriage to Debra Kaiser on August 31, 1974, in Bloomfield, Nebraska. To this union, a son, Jason, was born. The couple later divorced.

On January 14, 1981, Merle married Michele Mathey in Yankton, South Dakota. They had two daughters, Katherine (Katie) and Emily. In 1987, the family moved to Elk Point, South Dakota, where they raised their family and built a life together.

Known as the local "fix-it man," Merle spent countless hours in his garage, where there was rarely a problem he couldn't solve. Friends and neighbors knew exactly who to call when something was broken or needed fine-tuning. He was always willing to lend a hand, share his knowledge, and help others without hesitation.

He enjoyed golfing with friends in the Geritol Golf League, where the fellowship and laughter were just as important as the score. A lifelong fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, he faithfully cheered on his team through every season.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Michele Strom; his son, Jason (Sarah) Strom of Harlan, Iowa; his daughters, Katie Strom (Marcus) and Emily (Bob) Albertsen, all of Elk Point; his grandchildren, Tyler Walsh, Gunnar and Jersey Albertsen, and Logan and Hailey Strom; his sisters, Darla Jacob of Beresford, South Dakota, and Janice Wells of Blue Hill, Nebraska; his brother, Wendall (Delores) Strom of Crofton, Nebraska; his sisters-in-law, Barb Strom and Julie Chancey of Bloomfield, Nebraska; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Judith Strom; his brothers, Danny (Linda), Curtis, Lonnie (Nancy), Allen (Peggy), and Norman Strom; his brothers-in-law, Will Wells and Marv Jacob; his special aunt, Gladys Johnson; his nephew, Allen "Buddy" Jacob; his niece, Jennifer Varner; and his great-niece, Hali Strom.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held to honor and remember him.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Merle Strom on Saturday, February 28th from 2pm-5pm at the American Legion in Elk Point, SD. Come as you are, just the way Merle would have wanted.

Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation.

Arrangements are entrusted to Kober Funeral Home in Elk Point, SD.