Norman Strom

Obituary Norman Melvin Strom January 21, 1915 - April 27, 2009 Norman was born in Tacoma, Washington. His parents Lena and Severn (Sam)E Strom had emigrated from Norway. Norm's childhood centered around Normanna Hall and the vibrant immigrant community that surrounded Sheridan Street. He attended Stanley, McCarver and Lincoln High School. In 1937, while at a dance, Norm met Irma Mullen. She could dance, had a captivating sense of humor, and he fell in love. They were married in 1940, and celebrated 68 years together last September. Irma and family were always the focal point of Norm's life. Norm was a carpenter by trade. After the War he formed Strom Construction Company and became a prominent Tacoma general contractor. He built the Tacoma Elks, T.C.C., Mt. Tahoma and Allenmore, along with buildings at U.P.S., P.L.U., and numerous schools and churches in the area. Norm's interests and activities were varied, as were his many friendships. He enjoyed boating, fishing in Alaska and British Columbia, cooking (applesauce, seafood, and his very special banana pancakes), experimenting with wine making, and restoring antique cars. Norm traveled the world, seeing countries with Irma as his tour guide. Two events highlighted his year. Each centered around family. The annual Christmas Norwegian Lutefisk dinner and the 4th of July. The smell of Lutefisk cooking brought wrinkled noses to the younger generations, but that was just part of the fun. It was all about continuing to celebrate his proud Norwegian heritage and passing this tradition on to his family. On the 4th of July Norm and Irma would gather family, neighbors and friends to their beach home on Horsehead Bay. Anticipation began in June with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren eagerly asking what kind of fireworks he had bought for that year. He would just grin and say "plenty". He delighted in providing a spectacular nighttime show for all of Horsehead Bay to enjoy. Seeing friends was part of his daily routine. Meeting one group for an early breakfast at the Tower Lanes and then later another group for lunch at the Harbor Lights, the local and national news was always thoroughly discussed. He never stopped learning and listening, loving to debate his opinions with others. Even as his health declined, Norm managed to visit his office several times a week and join friends occasionally at the Harbor Lights. Health challenges brought a new group of friends: his doctors, nurses, and entire medical teams. They greeted him by name, and he responded with a compliment. A very special relationship developed, and the feeling was mutual. They admired how, at age 94, Norm faced each new challenge and offered compassion and support. Norm was predeceased by his sisters Marie Verity and Selma Fink, and brothers Stan and Clarence Strom. He is survived by his loving wife Irma, sons Mark (Kathy) and Norman W. (Julie), and daughter Suzanne Simchuk; seven grandchildren, Alisa (Luke) Xitco, Heather Monahan, Luke (Emily) Strom, Amie (Ed) Smith, John (Carrie) Simchuk, Jennifer (Kelly) Curd, and Jill (Rusty) Hurd; fifteen great-grandchildren, Lucas and Chase Xitco, Kaelise and Layla Monahan, John, Anna and Sonja Strom, Ben and Sam Smith, Alex and Stella Simchuk, Hannah and Hillary Curd, and Noah and Tyler Hurd, along with many loving nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed but always remembered. A private family burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. The family invites all to a celebration of Norm's life at 3pm on May 1, 2009 at the Tacoma Elks. The family wishes to thank the medical staff in the oncology and radiology departments of Tacoma General Hospital and Cindy Fobes for her devoted care. They ask that remembrances be made for Parkinson's research: the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109-1024, or the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation, 400 Mercer St., Ste 401, Seattle, WA 98109-4641.