Earle Lester Strong

passed away December 23, 2021 in Fort Collins, CO. Earle was the son of W. Reynold Strong

and Emma Mary (Martin) Strong.

Earle was baptized in and attended the Illyria Community Church, near Elgin. He grew up on the

family farm in Illyria Township. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1949. From

1949-1950, Earle farmed with his father and then attended Iowa State University in 1951.

Earle enlisted in the United States Air Force in the spring of 1951 and served a 4-year tour of

duty. During that time, he trained at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX and then served

the remaining of his enlistment as a member of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, stationed at

Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff

Sargent.

Earle married Jeannette Lois Staton on September 14, 1952 in Lexington, Kentucky. The two of

them were married for 68 wonderful years. They were the parents of two daughters, Pamela and

Kathryn and 4 grandchildren.

Earle was employed five years as a Fieldman for the Iowa Farm Bureau, followed by 34 years

employed by Butler Mfg. Co., Jamesway Division, and J-Star Industries. During this time he

held the positions of Territory Manager, Region Sales Manager, and Training Manager in Iowa &

Wisconsin.

As a youth, Earle was active in the 4-H Club in Fayette County, IA. Throughout his adult life, he

was a member of the United Methodist Church & Illyria Community Church. Earle was also a

member of the Lions Club in Monticello, Elgin, and Cedar Falls, IA. While in Cedar Falls, he

was part of the AMVETS “Guy Iverson” Post 49 and a charter member of the USAF Honor

Guard Association. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, golf and woodworking.

Survivors include his daughter, Kathryn Lynn (Shane) Bergo of Fort Collins, CO; grandchildren,

Brittany Nylander, Evan Bergo, Kyle Bergo & Lars Bergo; brother, Duane (Sara) Strong of

Elgin, IA; and sister, Jeannette (Jerry) Hinkel of Round Top, TX.

Earle was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jeannette (Staton) Strong; daughter, Pamela

Sue (John) Nylander; brother, Lowell Strong; sister, Rosella Hudachek; and two infant sisters.

“I was most Blessed and most fortunate to have had a wonderful wife, two wonderful daughters,

a great family, and many good and unforgettable friends.”

Earle was very creative, smart, witty, always curious and could talk to anyone with ease. He will

be dearly missed by his family & friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send monetary donations in memory of Earle Strong to Illyria

Community Church, P.O. Box 104, Elgin, IA 52141-0104.