Dale Olof Strenge, 79, of Geneva, died Saturday, July 16, 2016 at New Richland Care Center.
He was born October 17, 1936 in Byron Township, the son of Olof and Elsie (Drache) Strenge. He attended Berlin #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 both 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 the 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, Kristine (and Richard) Harwood of Moline, IL; son, David Strenge of Ellendale; special family friend, Sirpa Salonen of Stewartville; three grandchildren; six great grandchildren; 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; grandson, Justin Schumacher.
Public viewing will be at Zion Lutheran Church on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 from 10 to 11 a.m. 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. Later that day a memorial service will also be held at 2 p.m. at Community Lutheran Church, 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.