Reverend Robert C. Strom

Rev. Robert Conrad Strom. In loving memory of Rev. Robert Conrad Strom. Born in Springfield, MO, June 23, 1931, son of the late Blanche (Duncan) and Egan Strom of Elyria, OH. Rev. Strom was a graduate of Elyria High School, Oberlin College and Princeton Theological Seminary. He was the organizing pastor of the Franklin Lakes Presbyterian Church in NJ. In 1964, the Chicago Community Renewal Society recruited Rev. Strom to the West Side of Chicago with the vision of seeking solutions to its social and economic problems. Through community organization efforts led primarily by Rev. Strom the West Side Organization (WSO) was born. William Ellis in his book- White Ethics and Black Power published in 1969- writes about Strom, "It was he who went into the West Side, engaged its people, and encouraged them to work with him in making WSO. In 1966, Dr. Martin L. King established headquarters on the west side to campaign against northern racism and stated, "WSO is the most effective grass roots organization in the country." Rev. Strom marched with Dr. King and worked in Chicago as an activist mobilizing efforts for the Civil Rights Movement. In 1968, Rev. Strom worked in partnership with WSO to form Metropolitan Consulting Associates. This non-for profit agency allowed Strom to write grants securing community businesses while fighting for low rise, low-income housing and responsible neighborhood development. From 1968-1972 five community owned businesses were established. Also in 1971, the WSO Health Services Agency was formed to combat and treat issues of mental illness, alcoholism and drug abuse in the community. Rev. Strom continues his work on the West Side during the 1980's and 1990's though his alliance with the Executive Service Corps of Chicago. Here he secured grants and implemented programs to benefit teen moms and young adults including project L.I.F.E. and West Side Future. Ordained as a United Church of Christ minister, he served as interim pastor at Hinsdale U.C.C., Community Protestant Church of Mundelein and Ravenswood U.C.C. in Chicago. Long time resident of Evanston, IL. Loving husband of the predeceased Barbara Louise Griffin and Marilyn Ritner Morris; survived by his brother George and his children, Elisabeth (Douglas) Merrill, Rebecca (Wade) Harvey, Cynthia (Mark) Garratt, Melinda (Douglas) Segal and Robert (Wendy) Strom; he is also survived by his 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Throughout his life, Rev. Strom was devoted to working for social justice and equality for all people and was driven by deep and unyielding faith in God. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m until time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at Lake St. Church, 607 Lake St., Evanston, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to The Executive Service Corps. Of Chicago. Arrangements under the direction of Wm. H. Scott Funeral Home, Wilmette, IL, 847-251-8200.