Delores Jean Strommen, 90, of Crookston, MN, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2023, at the Benedictine Living Community Crookston, where she had been in residence since this past April 15th.
Delores was born on December 15, 1932, in Trail, Minnesota, the fourth of five children of the union of Leonard and Freda (Lee) Eck. She grew up in Trail and was baptized and confirmed at the Valle Lutheran Church. Upon graduation from Trail High School, she attended Crookston’s Agassiz School of Nursing. After graduating as an LPN, she began her nursing career at the Bethesda Hospital. It was during this time that she met Donald James Strommen who had just returned from serving his country with the US Army in the Korean Theater of Operations. Delores and Donald were wed on September 4, 1954, in Winger, MN. Their marriage would be blessed by the births of five children: Debra, David, Dale, Daniel, and Douglas. As the kids were growing up many special memories were made on family camping trips taken to the lakes of Minnesota and Canada.
Delores decided to step away from nursing to devote herself to raising the children in their very loving home. After several years she returned to work at Riverview Hospital, eventually retiring in the early 1980s after a long and rewarding career in the profession she so dearly loved. Delores and Don took time to enjoy their golden years, making trips to California, Florida, and Nashville. They also liked going on mini vacations, visiting sights of interest in the states surrounding Minnesota. Going for walks around the neighborhood became part of their daily routine. When they headed out the door Delores would go right, and Don would go left. When asked why, Delores answered “It’s so that we continue to love each other as much as we do!” Sadly, Don passed away on February 2, 2013.
Delores continued to live in her home which was always filled with noise, and fun, and love. It was the center of all the activities that a large family can generate and where everyone wanted to be. Delores loved nothing more than spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought such happiness to her life. Grandma will be remembered for always having cookies in the cookie jar and cake on the counter for them. And if they were really hungry and wanted a burger, anytime of the day or night, they got burgers.
Delores knew when it was time to leave her forever home as her health began to fail. The wonderful staff of Benedictine Living Community Crookston kept her very comfortable and safe until her passing. Her infectious smile that lit up a room with love for all her family will be sorely missed. She prayed goodness upon all every day with a heart full of kindness. May she rest in peace.
Delores was preceded in death by Donald, her beloved husband of 68 years. Her family are comforted knowing that she has been reunited with her four children who passed before her, something no parents should ever have to bear: Dale, Dave, Debbie, and Doug. She also joins her parents, Leonard and Freda Eck; siblings: Donna (Louie) Watne, Lois Peterson, Lorenzo (Ida) Eck, and Ronald (Dagne) Eck; parents-in-law: Olaf and Thelma Strommen; along with others from the Eck and Strommen families.
Delores is survived by her son, Daniel Strommen of Crookston, MN; son-in-law, Larry Paulson of Crookston; five grandchildren: Amanda Strommen, Ashley (Aaron) Gagner, Ross Strommen, Zach Strommen, and Brock Strommen. Also her four great-grandchildren who put a twinkle in her eye: Kendra Strommen, and Aadin, Adley, and Ames Gagner; along with several Eck and Strommen nieces and nephews.
The Memorial Service celebrating the life of Delores Jean Strommen will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 30th, 2023, at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home, Crookston, with The Rev. Michael Ozaki, officiating. Visitation with the family will begin at Noon. The service will be livestreamed by going to her obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Burial will take place in the Oakdale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial to Hospice of the Red River Valley, Benedictine Living Community Crookston, or RiverView Health.
