Willard Stromberg, 87, died on Sunday, November 14, 2004 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Red Lake Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, November 19, 2004 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend John Wollenzien officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 18, 2004 at the Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls with a 7:00 P.M. prayer on Thursday evening and at the church for one hour prior to services on Friday.

Willard Howard Stromberg was born on December 5, 1916 in Thief River Falls, MN, the son of Peter and Hilma (Carlsen) Stromberg. He was baptized and confirmed at the Swedish Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN and attended school in Thief River Falls, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1934. Following High School Willard was in the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) for one year and also drove truck for Land O Lakes. He started working for the Soo Line Railroad in 1941 and was a dedicated employee for 40 years, until his retirement.

Willard was united in marriage to Myrtle Furuseth in 1943 in Thief River Falls. Willard was a supportive, caring and dependable husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He enjoyed fishing, yard work and spending time at his cabin at Washkish.

He was a member of the Golden Kiwanis and served as local Chairman of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.

Willard is survived by his wife, Myrtle of Thief River Falls, MN; three children: Barbara (David) Klopp of Thief River Falls, MN, Lynn (Nora) Stromberg of Thief River Falls, MN and Mark (Gale) Stromberg of Coeur D Alene, Idaho; grandchildren: Ingrid (Anthony) Mello, Kirsten (Clinton) Berglof, Evan Klopp, Isabella Stromberg, Kajsa, Bjorn and Carl Stromberg; two great grandchildren: Anna and Joseph Mello; and one sister, Vivian Gable of San Diego, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Wilma Radniecki.