Ralph Edward Stromme

Ralph Edward Stromme, age 86, of Rhinelander, died on January 3, 2024 at the Riverview Health Services in Tomahawk. He was born in Rhinelander, on December 13, 1937, to Ralph and Genevieve (Bethke) Stromme.

Ralph attended schools in Rhinelander and graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1956. He enlisted in the United States Air Force following high school and was honorably discharged after almost six years. During this time, he was stationed in New Mexico and met the love of his life, Norma, and on June 21, 1958 they were married. As soon as Ralph completed his military service they moved to Rhinelander or what he called “God’s Country” and Ralph started at the Rhinelander Paper Company where he was employed for 39 years.

Ralph loved riding motorcycles, his first was a 1947 Harley-Davidson, he took many trips out west on his bikes. Ralph also loved to be outdoors in any way possible. He loved to fish, hunt, or just be out in the woods. It started when he was a child as an Eagle Scout, then as he got older, he was a scout master for Pine Lake and then became an official American Mountain Man. After his retirement Ralph and Norma traveled quite a bit and took road trips across the country many times to see the children. Ralph loved dogs and greatly missed their dog Sweet Pea, he always asked about how his sons’ dogs, Wyatt and Cricket, were when he would call.

Ralph is survived by his wife, son Ralph (Christine) Stromme of Austin, Texas, grandchildren Kristina, Barry (Tanner), Brittny, Morgan, and Phaetan, great-grandchild Brysen, sister Molly (Gene) Harbal of Lott, Texas, brothers William (Roma) Stromme of Minnesota, and Peter (Chris) Stromme of Marshfield, other family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Eric.

A funeral service for Ralph will be held at the Carlson Funeral Home on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 1 p.m. with pastor Kari Vadis officiating. A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until the time of service. Interment will follow at the Forest Home Cemetery in Rhinelander. You may leave your private condolences for the Stromme family at www.carlsonfh.com. 

The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the family.