Obituary of Clare Ronald Stromlund

“Clare “Swede” Ronald Stromlund, age 84, of Cloquet, passed peacefully on Friday, August 16, 2024 while in hospice care at Waterview Shores in Two Harbors.

Clare is survived by his wife of 12 years, Barb Mattson of Cloquet; sister Darlene Lind of Bemidji, MN; son, Kurt (Jenny) Stromlund of Hartland, MI and stepdaughter, Chris (John) Langenbrunner of Duluth; grandchildren Nicholas Stromlund, Michelle (Greg) Greenough, Nathan (Lauren) Daigle, Shannon Deane, Kaila (Chris) Sawatsky, and Sarah Olafson; great grandchildren  Molly, Eli, and Evan Greenough, Neil and Hunter Daigle, Kaden and Rowan Deane, Davin and Elora Sawatsky.

He was preceded in death by his second wife Doris Stromlund (d. 2001), special friend Pat Mateen (d. 2004), father Ole Stromlund, mother Ina (Rudy) Lien, sister Donna Feragen, brothers David and Gary Stromlund; sister Eileen (Charles) Pettit, as well as stepchildren Carl and Dawn Olafson.

He loved family and will be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews, Kevin (Susan) Lind, his special niece Cindy (Rex) Thomas, Christy (Kevin) Hoss, Jack Stromlund, Kate Stromlund, Carol (Mike) Alexander,

Grace (John) Kuenzli, Anna (Dan) Straus, Diane (Rick) Pesch, Alan Feragen, Duane (Jody) Feragen, Ardyce Feragen, Deborah (Bill) Reagan. 

Born in 1939, Clare attended Cook High school, graduating in 1957.  A proud veteran, Clare served our country in the United States Army from 1963-1965 and was stationed in Germany, where his son Kurt was born. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion and VFW. Swede retired from the Duluth Winnipeg Pacific Railroad in 1991.

An active community member, Clare was elected to the Solway Town Board, where he served as a Supervisor for 36 years. Additionally, Clare was a member of the Solway Fire & Rescue for 29 years and delighted in serving at the annual pancake breakfast fundraiser as an honorary member of the Solway Flamettes. The family wishes to thank the members of the Solway Town Board, Ronald Gajewski, Scott Welch, Jeffrey Keppers, Tami McGregor, Regina Merritt, and Cindy Moe, the wonderful township employees, and the dedicated members of Solway Fire & Rescue.

An avid estate auction attendee he was ring man for friend and auctioneer Bones Crandall for 17 years.

Visitation will be from 10-11am, followed by the funeral service at 11AM on Thursday, August 22 at Grace Lutheran Church, 5464 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown. A patriotic gathering will be held following the funeral at the Solway Township Hall, 4029 Munger Shaw Rd, Cloquet.”