Peabody Gazette Bulletin, 17 December 2003
Obituary of HELEN M. STROMBERG
Helen Margaret Stromberg, 82, died Dec. 9, 2003, at Marion.

The fourth child of Eli J. and Lydia J. (Hett) Peterson, she was born Nov. 13, 1921, on the family farm southwest of Florence. As a your girl, she attended the Fairplay School.

On Aug. 22, 1936, she married August Sellers. The couple lived and managed a farm near her parents' home southwest of Florence. They were the parents of three children, Betty Ann, Robert Lee, and Margaret Louise.

Family was an important part of her life and she participated in many reunions hosted by her parents. She enjoyed hosting dinners and always took care of those who might have otherwise spent holidays alone.

She grew a large garden and raised chickens and ducks. She planted fruit and shade trees on the farm, as well as flowers and shrubs. She enjoyed sharing her garden produce and flowers with others and taking arrangements of fresh flowers to church.

She was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking. She also spent hours canning and preserving the bushels of fruit and produce she harvested from her garden and orchard.

Following her husband's death in August 1961, she and her son, Robert, continued to work the family farm.

On Nov. 18, 1967, she married Benard M. Stromberg and they farmed and operated the Stromberg dairy.

In addition to her other roles, she was an active and devoted church member. She was a member of the CWF for many years and faithfully paid home visits to those who were unable to attend church.

The Strombergs were instrumental in the organization and sounding of the Florentine Senior Center in 1978. Helen was a dedicated and hardworking member of the senior center, quilting twice a week, designing and building floats for Labor Day, serving as an officer and preparing and serving dinners.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, August Sellers; a daughter, Betty Ann Phillips; three sisters, Elizabeth Peterson, Caroline Bloomer, and Edna May Angle; and four brothers, Ivan, Ralph, Melvin, and Willard.

Survivors include her husband, Benard of Florence; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Leah Sellers of Florence; a daughter, Margaret Harris of Marion; a brother, Clifford Peterson of Redfield; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 2 PM Saturday at Florence Christian Church with Revs. Harold Brown and Marilyn Cox officiating.

Music included "Evening Prayer" and "In the Garden" by vocalist Leonard Klassen. Shirley Bowers was organist. Julie Sellers provided a piano selection, "Be Thou My Vision."

Casket bearers were Mike Ehrlich Gary Ehrlich, John Phillips, Chad Phillips, Brad Simon, and Tracy Ahlquist.

Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery, Florence.

A memorial fund has been established with the church.

Transcribed and Contributed by Marcia Sebree


Last Updated:  Saturday, February 11, 2023 22:18:03


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