Loretta Strong

Loretta Mae Strong, 80, of Lansing died Saturday, November 16, 2013 at Thornton Manor in Lansing. Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 6 at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Lansing. The Rev. Kevin Smith will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour before services at the church Friday, December 6 and also following the memorial service at the United Methodist Church in Lansing. Inurnment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lansing.

She was born January 25, 1933 to Richard and Vernie (Rush) Stahl in Rossville. Loretta graduated from Lansing High School, where she participated as a cheerleader and vice president of her junior class. She was also elected as a Valentine Queen and Venetian Night Princess.

Loretta was united in marriage with Norbert Strong May 26, 1951 at the First Presbyterian Church in Lansing. After living in Arizona a short time, they returned to Lansing to have and raise their five children. Their life in Lansing together offered them the opportunity to enjoy the river, gardening and many activities with extended family. Loretta was employed by Eastern Allamakee Schools as a cook for 26 years. She and her husband also ran the Pilot House Book Store during this time, for 12 years. Loretta was an avid member of card club for many years and also enjoyed bowling on a local bowling league with friends. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and a “fifty-year” member of the The Order of Eastern Start, V.F.W. Auxiliary.

Loretta is survived by her children, Debbie (Neal) Steiber of Lansing, Bruce Strong of Waukon, Richard (Bonnie) Strong of Blue Grass and Laurie (Dan) Gavin of Royse City, TX; a son-in-law, Dan Maust of Stoddard, WI; 11 grandchildren, Chad (Rachael) Steiber, Ross Steiber, Shannon (Al) Snider, Michael Strong, Justin Gavin, Ashley (Justin) Murdock, Lindsay Gavin, Josh (Alicia) Strong, Melissa (Jon) Trimble, Amanda (Nicholas) Hughes and Andrea (Brian) Caldwell; eight great-grandchildren, Colin Steiber, Maddy Gavin, Jayden Murdock, Grace and Eric Timble and Matthew, Logan and Ian Caldwell; a sister, Alice Strong; six brothers, Everett (Jean Ann) Stahl, Lester (Betty) Stahl, Robert (Harriet) Stahl, George Stahl, Allen (Mable) Stahl and Gary Stahl; and a brother-in-law, Jerry Mathis.

Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Norbert; a daughter, Patti Maust; two grandchildren, Jason Maust and Nathan Gavin; her parents; two sisters, Jean Ann (Paul) Fahey and Karen Mathis; a brother in law, Merlin Strong; and a sister-in-law, Judy Stahl.

Condolences may be left at www.thornburg-graufuneralhome.com. Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Lansing assisted the family with arrangements.