Allan Strom Obituary

Allan Strom, 75, of Oronoco, passed away at home, Monday, June 30, 2014, with his wife, Pat, and sisters, Carolyn Fure and Monica Hutson, at his side.

Allan was born Nov. 9, 1938, in Forest City, Iowa, to Alfred and Wilma (Thune) Strom. He grew up on a farm outside of Scarville, Iowa, attending country school, Scarville High School, Waldorf College and receiving a B.A. in biology from Luther College. He received his masters degree from the University of Northern Iowa and continued lifelong learning, taking advantage of classes, workshops and study. Allan developed a love of nature from an early age by observation and study of the birds, plants and other wildlife around him. He remained an avid birdwatcher and always was ready to identify an insect or bird.

A lifelong educator, Allan began teaching biology in Wesby, Wis., before moving to Rochester in 1966, where he taught biology and advanced biology at John Marshall High School for 30 years. In 1996, he was named the Minnesota Biology Teacher of the Year by the National Association of Biology Teachers. By donating his body to Mayo Clinic, Allan felt he could continue as an educator.

In retirement, he became a Master Gardener and was involved in Kiwanis and multiple volunteer
activities. He was active in the life of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday School,
participating in various committees and groups and singing in the choir. He loved working in his
garden with his John Deere tractor, birdwatching and anything involving his beloved grandchildren.

Allan is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Pat (Peterson); three children, Dan Strom (CC), of Minneapolis, Rebecca Strom, of Minneapolis, and Kathleen Standlee-Strom (Ron), of Fairbanks, Alaska; and six grandchildren, Zed, Helen, Phoebe, Paul, Augustin and Aila; as well as many loved family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Wilma Strom and brothers, John Strom and
Stephen Strom.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1212 12th Ave. N.W., Rochester.

Visitation, also at Gloria Dei, will be Monday, July 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and one hour before the service on Tuesday.

Memorials to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or Quarry Hill Nature Center are suggested.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Odessa American on Jul. 4, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Allan Strom

8 Entries

Sue Jansen

July 11, 2014

Many of us Master Gardeners are blessed to have worked with Al on projects including the rainwater/pond/pollinator garden at the History Center, Quarry Hill projects-on-going and new-Riverside plantings with the children, and many more. This amazing, gentle and sharing person continues to impact our garden of life, even as he has journeyed into another. Heartfelt messages of love and caring to you and your family,

July 9, 2014

Al and his wife Patty were some of the most generous and caring people we have had the pleasure of knowing. Al was a soft spoken, kind and gentle man. He was a wonderful husband, father and teacher and will be greatly missed in the community.

Jim and Linda Rogers

Jessica Crane

July 7, 2014

I knew Al through the Master Gardener program. Even though we did not work on any projects together, I knew him as a diligent advocate for butterfly gardens. Rochester was just a little bit better for all his hard work and compassion for plant and wild life. He shall be missed.

Jan Voeltz

July 7, 2014

Al always had a smile on his face to brighten up everyone's day he crossed paths with...He will dearly be missed.

Tim Beastrom

July 7, 2014

Mr. Strom was a great teacher. His laid-back style and clear interest biology was a great fit for the wide range of kids that dissected frogs and raised fruit flies in his classes. My deepest sympathy goes out to the Strom family. Mr. Strom will definitely be missed.

Mary & Ray Beard

July 6, 2014

I remember working with Al on the Social Action committee at Gloria Dei many, many years ago. That committee started the ABC Christmas dinners that are still held every December. He also taught our daughter Biology. A great guy.

Pat Temp[le

July 5, 2014

Our sympathy to the Strom family. Al was a super neighbor on 26th St NW and a well loved and respected biology teacher! We have super memories of many outdoor activities led by Al through the years. Our thoughts and prayers to you all. We will be honored to send a memorial to Quarry Hill Nature Center in his name.

Pat, Bill, Ryan Temple and GinaTemple-Rhodes.

Shane Baker

July 4, 2014

Al Strom is one of the kindest, most decent men I have ever known. I am blessed to call him my friend. Thoughts and prayers from our home to the Strom family.

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