Thorsten Stromberg

August 13, 1936 - March 29, 2016

Thorsten F. Stromberg passed away at home unexpectedly Tuesday, March 29, 2016.

He was born in Aberdeen, Washington, to Carl and Beda Stromberg on August 13, 1936.

Thor was a first-generation American, his parents having immigrated to America through Ellis Island from Sweden in the late 1920s.

He grew up in Port Angeles, where he graduated from high school in 1954. He furthered his education at Reed College, graduating in 1958.

From there, he pursued a doctorate in physics at Iowa State University, obtaining that degree in 1964.

Upon graduation, he was employed by Los Alamos National Laboratory. Being in scenic New Mexico, he took advantage of the opportunity to hike and fly-fish.

In the fall of 1967, Thor was hired as an associate professor of physics at New Mexico State University, where he taught until 2000. With 33 years of service at NMSU, he retired as associate department head.

While at NMSU, he served in the faculty senate, as well as the faculty athletic committee.

Growing up on the Olympic Peninsula afforded Thor great salmon and steelhead fishing with his uncles and childhood friends.

Fishing in New Mexico's man-made lakes never held the same attraction as the Pacific Northwest.

He was devoted to Elizabeth, and instead of fishing, he backed her dream of an equine business.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Elizabeth Campbell Stromberg; his daughter, Emily Louise (Kenneth John) Montoya; grandson Benjamin Edward Montoya, all of Las Cruces; and his sister, Karlene (Richard) Hopkins of Port Angeles.

As per Thor's request, cremation has taken place, and there will be no services.

Arrangements are with Getz Funeral Home, 1410 East Bowman Avenue, Las Cruces NM 88001.

To sign the online guestbook, visit www.GetzCares.com.