Eric Strom

Eric Gerald Strom passed away January 21, 2022 at Providence St. Peter’s Hospital in Olympia, Washington. He was born to the late Margaret Schmitz and the late Erick Rinert Strom in Mason City, Washington.

Eric grew up in the Portland, Oregon area. He moved to East Wenatchee in his teens where he attended East Wenatchee High School. When Eric was 17 he joined the United States Air Force. After boot camp in Biloxi, Mississippi he was stationed in Othello, Washington in the 637th AC&W squadron as a radar technician. He met his wife, Gayle Ivory, during his military service in Othello, Washington. They married March 12, 1960 in East Wenatchee, Washington just days prior to his remote duty assignment to Fort Yukon, Alaska.

One year later after his service in Alaska, Eric and Gayle were transferred to Sargeant Bluff, Iowa. The next duty station was Mountain Home Air Force Base in Mountain Home, Idaho. Airman 1st Class Eric completed his eight year enlistment in the United States Air Force and joined the United States Navy the next day. He served 13 more years in the United States Navy, moving from Hunters Point in San Francisco to San Diego, California, two tours on the USS Constellation (CVA-64) in Viet Nam, three years at Kunia Facility in Oahu, Hawaii where he was promoted to Data Processing Chief. Chief Strom completed his service as a United States Naval Recruiter in Bellingham, Washington. Eric retired from the United States Navy in October 1977.

Eric and Gayle’s union was blessed by two children. Eric is survived by his wife Gayle; son, Eric Wendl Strom (Beth) and five children, Nicole Bea Knowles (Alex), Erik Michael Strom, Aaron Ivory Strom, Kjristi Nash, and Erika Harmon; daughter, Kama Gaile Montermini (David) and their three children, Chad David Montermini (Catherine Paternostro), Rand Erick Montermini (Chelsea), and Eli Strom Montermini; three great grandchildren and one more on the way; brother-in-law, Royal Garf Ivory (Maxine), three nephews and one niece.

Following his military retirement, Eric was employed by Moore Business Forms in Portland, Oregon, Washington State Patrol in Olympia, Washington, and retired from Washington State Department of Ecology in 2018.

Eric loved his family first and foremost supporting his children and grandchildren in their sports, music, and college activities. He was a very patriotic man, never missing an opportunity to support the American Flag and tell stories about his military career. He joined The American Legion Post #94 in Lacey, serving as a volunteer. Eric loved fishing, watching Seahawks football games, restoring his pickup, playing Pinochle with his friends, was a sharp shooter, and would tell a joke to anyone who would listen. Going to the ocean to take long walks with the love of his life was one of his favorite things to do.

Eric Gerald Strom will be committed to his final resting place @ Mills and Mills Funeral Home in Olympia, Washington.

Family and friends will be invited to a Celebration of Life this coming summer, date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to any of the following.

Survive Strive and Thrive Foundation 501c3

UBI #604566564

Contact Kama Montermini

[email protected]

Seattle Children’s Hospital

4800 Sand Pointe NE

Cranio Facial Clinic

Seattle, WA 98105

American Legion Post #94

Lacey, Washington