Charlene “Tootsie” Harriet Stromstad, 95, Fertile, MN, passed away quietly in the early evening of Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile.
Tootsie was born in Crookston, MN on July 20, 1926, and was the daughter of Lawrence and Ellen (Moe) Walters. She grew up on the family farm and was baptized, confirmed, and married at the Hafslo Church in Russia Township.
She attended a one-room schoolhouse, district #253, and graduated in 1943 from the Northwest School of Agriculture, Crookston, MN. Post-graduation, during the war effort, she worked as a clerk/typist at the shipyards in Seattle, WA. Tootsie returned to Crookston and was employed at Ottertail Power Company until her marriage to her sweetheart, Walter, on February 11, 1947.
Walter and Tootsie lived and raised their children, Bruce, Chrys and Cathy on the family farm in Scandia Township. Walt and Toots spent many winters in Casa Grande, AZ, enjoying old friendships and forming new ones. Tootsie loved her husband and family with all her heart, always keeping them in her prayers and instilling in them her deeply held values and love of Jesus. In her later years, she came to understand that her reason for living so long was to pray for others.
Proud of her Norwegian heritage, Tootsie traveled to Norway and found her roots. She was a lifelong member of the Sons of Norway, Morgensol Lodge #458.
Tootsie was an avid reader and held strong political views, often writing to state and federal officials. She enjoyed board games, playing cards, and her computer. Tootsie greatly enjoyed entertaining and was always happy to have friends and family over to her home. She will always be remembered for her love of children, usually with a baby in her arms and a youngster on her lap.
Charlene is survived by her children, Bruce (Bev) Stromstad, Crookston, MN, and Chrys (Tom) O’Neill, Beltrami, MN; son-in-law, Dan (Karen) Haugen, Nashville, TN; 7 grandchildren, Bryce (Nancy) Stromstad, Frazee, MN, Stacy (Chad) Stromstad-Christianson, Halstad, MN, Kyle (Sheila) Stromstad, Beltrami, MN, Jared (Jeanna) O’Neill, Pennock, MN, Jordan O’Neill, Beltrami, MN, and Austin (Erin) Haugen, San Mateo, CA; 14 great-grandchildren, her precious little ones no matter what their ages, Chase, Kasen, Kalden, Quinn, Kindlee, Lydia, Tucker, Ivy, Kylie, Dillon, Elaina, Charlie, Teddy, and Alice; brother, Melvin Walters, Virginia Beach, VA, and his daughter, Sara (Tobias) Walters, and their 3 children; sister-in-law, Lois Walters, Wasilla AK; brother-in-law, Raymond (Marvie Stromstad), Beltrami, MN; and several nieces, nephews, and precious cousins.
Sadly, Tootsie was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Cathy Haugen who died on December 30, 2010; and her second oldest grandchild, Kory Stromstad, who died on February 15, 2014. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Ellen; her brother, Dale Walters; and her beloved husband, Walter.
Blessed be the memory of Charlene Harriet Stromstad.
A graveside memorial service to celebrate Tootsie’s life will take place at 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Scandia Lutheran Cemetery, Rural Beltrami, MN. We urge you to celebrate God’s love and our faith in the Resurrection by participating in this worship.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.eriksonvikfh.com
Arrangements with Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home
Fertile, Minnesota
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