Ronald Oscar Strom

Ronald Oscar Strom, age 90, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Ron was born on May 5, 1935, to Oscar and Clara Strom in Erskine, Minnesota. He was the third of three children, joining older siblings, Clarence and Bernice. Ron spent his youth on the family farm southeast of Mentor, Minnesota. He graduated from Mentor High School in 1953.

After high school, Ron spent a summer working in conservation before entering the United States Army. His military service took him to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Fort Irwin, California; and ultimately to Ansbach, Germany. Following his honorable service, Ron returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Boyum, on August 17, 1957. Their marriage of 68 years was a true partnership and a testament to love, dedication, and shared purpose.

That same year, Ron began pharmacy school at North Dakota Agricultural College in Fargo, now known as North Dakota State University. After earning his degree, he worked as a pharmacist at Eagle Drug in Crookston, Minnesota, for over 15 years. In 1971, Ron and Darlene purchased Warford Drug in McIntosh, Minnesota. The store was remodeled and rebuilt into Strom Drug, which they proudly owned and operated together for 34 years. Ron’s commitment to serving his community through his work left a lasting impact on McIntosh and the surrounding area.

Ron and Darlene raised three children—Patricia, James, and John—while building both a business and a life rooted in family and community. Ron was a passionate sports fan and a familiar voice in local athletics, serving as the announcer for Win-E-Mac Patriots football and basketball games. His enthusiasm for sports never faded; he was a devoted fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves, but above all, he was a true Bison fan at heart.

After retiring in 2005, Ron cherished time spent at Union Lake in Minnesota with his grandchildren, Dawson and Chloe. Some of his happiest moments were spent fishing with the grandkids, sharing stories, and enjoying time with family and friends at the lake.

Ron was deeply involved in his community, holding active memberships in the Lion’s Club, Booster Club, VFW, and American Legion. He was also a faithful and active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in McIntosh.

In 2012, Ron and Darlene moved to Moorhead, Minnesota, where they lived with their son Jim and his family for 12 years. During that time, Ron and Darlene became members at St. Paul’s Free Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND. Due to worsening health, Ron and Darlene transitioned to Farmstead Assisted Living, where they resided until his passing.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Darlene Strom; his children, Patty (Rohn) Hahn, Jim (Tracy) Strom, and John Strom; his grandchildren, Dawson (Natalee) Strom and Chloe (Chantz) Hiltwein; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Clara Strom; his brother, Clarence; and his sister, Bernice.

Ron will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his community, and his faith, as well as for his warm presence, strong work ethic, and lifelong love of sports. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

Ron’s Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at St. Paul’s Free Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND with a Visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.