Dale Strenge, 1936-2016

Published 9:10 am Monday, July 18, 2016

Dale Olof Strenge, 79, of Geneva died Saturday, July 16, 2016, at New Richland Care Center.

Dale Strenge

He was born Oct. 17, 1936, in Byron Township, the son of Olof and Elsie (Drache) Strenge. He attended Berlin No. 70 country school and Ellendale High School graduating in 1954. He enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. In 1958, while on leave, he married Nadine Olson, a neighbor whom he had first asked to marry him when they were both six years old. After his discharge later that year, he and Nadine returned to Minnesota and farmed for many years near Ellendale, not far from where they grew up.

Dale was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church until three years ago when he joined Community Lutheran Church in Geneva, where he and Nadine had been living since 2003.  Dale had an abiding faith that was nurtured and deepened through his church family and his active involvement in Via de Christo Christian Community. He was an avid woodworker, creating many pieces of furniture for family and friends. Since he could fix almost anything, he often received phone calls asking for help. Dale enjoyed Bible studies, reading and fishing. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and served on the Zion Lutheran Church building committee and as sexton for the church cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Nadine, of Geneva; daughters Judy Strenge of Stewartville, Barbara Strenge of St. Paul and Kristine (and Richard) Harwood of Moline, Illinois; son, David Strenge, of Ellendale; special family friend, Sirpa Salonen, of Stewartville; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Bernice (and Kenny) Patterson; brother-in-law, Ellsworth “Sam” (and Lillian “Lil”) Olson; and grandson, Justin Schumacher.

Public viewing will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church followed by the committal and burial in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery. The Zion Ladies invite those attending to join the family for coffee and a light lunch before proceeding to Geneva. A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Community Lutheran Church in Geneva with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Dale’s family extends their deeply felt gratitude to the New Richland Care Center and Albert Lea Hospice for the compassionate and professional care given to Dale and his family.