Sunday, August 8, 2010

The Stromberg Family Loses their Patriarch


Kyle's grandfather passed away on Monday, August 2nd. We attended his funeral yesterday. I feel so blessed to be a part of the Stromberg family and to have been able to get to know their wonderful patriarch over the last 15 years. I learned many things while attending the funeral yesterday and felt the spirit many times during the service. Kyle's grandpa left a legacy and lived a righteous life. The blessings of his righteousness were apparent to me as we were sitting in the chapel as a family. Grandma and Grandpa Stromberg have 6 children, 26 grandchildren, and 47 great grandchildren. Grandpa had a strong testimony of the Savior and of our Heavenly Father. He loved people and enjoyed serving others. He loved his wife Bernice with all of his heart and treated her with great respect and love. He also taught his children and grandchildren the importance of treating their spouses with love. Every time I saw Grandpa he made sure to ask me if Kyle was taking good care of me. The Book of Mormon talks about traditions being passed on from generation to generation and Kyle's grandfather passed on a rich legacy full of traditions both spiritual and temporal. When I married Kyle I was introduced to Swedish pancakes and I learned yesterday that Grandpa would make swedish pancakes for his children anytime that they requested it even if it was at one in the morning. My children love swedish pancakes and it was exciting for them to realize that they are connected to their grandfather in that simple yet profound way. Kyle loves vacations and now I know that the love of vacations came from Grandpa and his diligence in going on a family vacation with his wife and children at least once a year. Grandpa was truly a gentle giant and I am so grateful that I know that I will see him once more and that I will be able to thank him for the righteous influence that he has had on me, my husband, and my children. We love you Grandpa!!