Josie Hansen Strom was born in Union County on August 12, 1913 to John and Marie (Stene) Hansen and was the fourth of seven children. She passed peacefully to her heavenly reward at the age of 103 years and 46 days on September 27, 2016 at Bethesda Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family.

Josie attended Cleveland School where she learned to always do her best. She was confirmed at Roseni Lutheran Church, graduated from Beresford High School in 1932 then enjoyed working for the McKees. It was during this time she had her first date with Herbie Strom at the Roseni Christmas program, which began a seven year courtship.

They chose January 1, 1937 to be their wedding date with family gathering at Dalesburg Lutheran Church followed by a reception at the farm. When the snow began in earnest, 33 of the well-wishers were snowed in with the newlyweds for three more days! During that time, numerous games of Rook were played, three quilts tied and several loaves of bread baked. By January 19, they were finally off to sunny California in the new LaFayette for a six week honeymoon.

The 1940's found Herbie and Josie farming 240 acres with 75 Hereford cattle. Josie found much joy in raising their four boys, Charles, Raymond, Roger and Philip. Josie was also active in Ladies Aid, Circle and taught Sunday School. The 1950's added three daughters to their family, Elizabeth, Emilie and Sarah. Josie's hands were really full now: canning, cooking, cleaning, rocking and loving their farm family. To all of this she added working as a nurse's aide at Bethesda Home for seven years. Soon graduations and weddings gave way to a new joy: grandchildren! She welcomed each one with a hug and thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow up. When asked recently what kept her going, her eyes twinkled as she replied, "I don't want to miss anything." Josie enjoyed travelling with Herbie; they made fond memories with all the "snowbirds" of Orange Grove Park, Texas, as well as other destinations. She always found a way to extend hospitality, generosity and encouragement to the many relatives and friends her life has touched through the years. Great-grandchildren were also welcomed into the family and she enjoyed keeping up with their adventures and capers.

Josie had a heart that loved to serve. She enjoyed inviting family and friends over for a meal which often included baking bread, pies, or cookies for a special treat. She made time for gathering with her church family for Ladies Aid and Circle. Even at 90 years, she was still leading the prayer chain. Her prayer list was found in her Bible showing that she lifted her friends and family up to her loving God in fervent prayer. Her Faithful Lord gave her the strength and she trusted in Him throughout her life.

Josie was preceded in death by her father and mother; her beloved husband, Herbie, who passed on September 27, 1995; her sons, Roger and Raymond; her sisters, Irene Newbold, Ella Gunderson; her brothers, Harold, Judine and Stanley; and grandsons, Christopher Strom and David Carlson.

Among those who survive and gratefully shared her life are her sisters Mabel Neary, Wauwatosa, WI, 100, and Myrtle Danielson, Sylvis, IL, 98, sister-in-law, Eva Hansen, Sioux City, IA; children & their spouses: Charles & Jan Strom, Centerville; Sandy Strom, and Philip & Dorothy Strom, Beresford; Elizabeth & Howard Hubbell, Brandon; Emilie & Brad Bak, and Sarah & Morris Bonine, also of Beresford. Her loving influence will also be deeply missed by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and close friends.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 30th at Dalesburg Lutheran Church, rural Vermillion, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. A service celebrating Josie's life will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, October 1st. Service of Internment will follow at Dalesburg Lutheran Cemetery.

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." Philippians 1:3

Blessed be her memory!