Edward Raymond Stroming

Edward Raymond Stroming, 86, of Normandy Park, WA, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2016.

Ed was born March 13, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI to Edward and Laura (Siesennop) Stroming.  During the depression, his family moved several times, finally settling in Crystal Lake, IL where he graduated from High School in 1947.  During his high school years, he met Thora May Schneider whom he married in 1951.  During their 21 years together, they had 4 children.  Ed proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, including a tour of duty in Korea.  He attended the University of Oklahoma, and then entered the insurance industry where he excelled in special lines insurance.  In 1964, his career led Ed and his family to Seattle, WA where he immediately became an active member of the local community.  Ed joined the Des Moines Jaycees serving as chairman of the Des Moines Waterland Festival.  His passion for politics lead him to roles such as Precinct Committeeman and Chair of the Washington State Democratic Convention, even running for the Washington State Legislature.  Ed’s other passions were geography and travel, the Green Bay Packers, the Chicago Cubs, refereeing football, umpiring baseball and his involvement with his Fantasy Football league for three decades.  While attending an insurance industry event, Ed met Jean May Jesmer and they were married August 30, 1979.  Ed and Jean retired to Sun City West, AZ where he was president of the Washington Club.  He and Jean proudly volunteered at the local hospital, the ballpark during Mariner spring training and played on the community Bocce Ball league.  After 17 years in Arizona, Ed and Jean moved back to the Seattle area to be closer to family.

Ed was preceded in death by his loving wife Jean, parents Edward and Laura, and brother, James.  He is survived by his brother Bill (Barb), daughters Shari Gardner (Steve), Sandi Hart (Stan Christie), Terri Heckroth (Andy), son Mark (Katie), step-daughters Julie Holden, Jeannie Reinhart (Rich), 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held at Foster Golf Links, 13500 Interurban Ave S, Tukwila, WA 98168 on January 28, 2017 at 11:00am.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.