Grace Lillian (Schnable) Stromske, age 93, of Oshkosh, died Friday afternoon, April 28, 2006 at Evergreen Retirement Community. She was born March 4, 1913 in Chicago, Illinois to Herbert John and Wilhemina (Roy) Schnable. At age 13, Grace met Clem Stromske, who became her friend and soul mate. Nine years later at age 22, she and Clem became husband and wife in Chicago on July 20, 1935. They celebrated 51 years of marriage and 60 years of friendship until Clem's death on December 13, 1986.
Grace and Clem and their two children moved to Oshkosh in the early 1950's. Grace was hired as one of Oshkosh's first school crossing guards in 1954. She started work on October 18, 1954 on the corner of 11th and Oregon, only planning on doing this for a short period of time. That short period of time ended 46 years later on June 7, 2001, when she retired her position at age 88.
Upon arriving in Oshkosh, Grace became a member of First English Lutheran Church, where she served, as a member of the Sunday School Staff, including Sunday School Supervisor for over 50 years, was a Catechist for over 10 years, a member of Sarah Circle, and a teacher of the Bethel Bible Series. Grace enjoyed reading and Bible study; her love of children was proven by her years as a crossing guard and Sunday School teacher. Time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was very precious to Grace.
Survivors include her daughter, Claudeen (Gary E.) Ross; son, John T. Stromske; four grandchildren, Paul Greeninger, Peter (Suzy) Greeninger, Diane (Thomas) Johannes, Gary R. (Kim) Ross; nine great-grandchildren, Allison Grace, Alex, and Anna Johannes; Maggie, Josie, Douglas (Digger), and Molly Greeninger; Rachael Greeninger and Ian E. Ross, all of Oshkosh. Preceding Grace in death are her husband, parents, and one brother, Robert Schnable.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church, 1013 Minnesota Street, with Reverend Chuck Fluegel officiating. A time of visitation and support will be held on Thursday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the church, followed by a luncheon at the church. Private family interment services will be held on Friday at Lake View Memorial Park Condolences may also be given online at www.seefeldfuneral.com.
Seefeld Funeral and Cremation Services (920) 236-7750