Val Douglas Stromer

Val Douglas Stromer, 86, of Alleman, went to his heavenly home on April 1, 2026, due to prolonged congestive heart failure.

Val was born in Hancock County, Iowa, on January 30, 1940, the second of four sons born to Verna Mae (Alfred) and Werner (Vern) Stromer. He grew up on his family’s farm just north of the original Stromer farmstead near Klemme, Iowa. As a boy, Val helped his parents with his father’s businesses and hobbies, which included making pony carts, farming, and operating a kennel. His parents were avid travelers and also ran an auctioneering business, and his mother strongly encouraged hobbies. Val took this to heart, and it shaped his varied interests throughout life.

Val attended a one-room country grade school, which began with six weeks of kindergarten, and was one of 25 graduates of Klemme High School in 1957. During his school years, he learned to play the trumpet and remained fond of bands and music throughout his life. In 1965, he met his bride, Mildred Brandt, at a square-dancing event in Des Moines. They were married on May 22, 1966, and later welcomed three children: Janell, Eric, and Neal.

The family lived on an acreage near Slater, where Val enjoyed watching his prairie grass field, tending a large garden, and observing wildlife. He worked for 25 years at the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Des Moines and later held grounds and yard keeping positions at the Hyperion Field Club, Living History Farms, and Jester Park. Later, Val and Mildred moved to nearby Alleman while continuing to maintain the acreage, which served as Val’s personal retreat.

Faith in God was important to Val. He grew up attending and was confirmed at Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, attended and led Sunday School classes at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Slater, and later worshiped at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Polk City. He could often be found singing in church choirs as well as the local community chorus. Val and Mildred enjoyed attending local band and choir concerts, with some of their favorites held on the grounds of the Iowa State Capitol.

His love of nature led to friendships with those at the Iowa Prairie Network and the Woodworkers Association. Val also could not bear to see a book become homeless and frequently brought home books from old library collections—especially those about plants, trees, timber-framed structures, music, or places connected to friends.

Val is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mildred, of Alleman; daughter Janell (Ed) Bohn of Plymouth, WI; sons Eric (Sherry Richardson) Stromer of Des Moines and Neal Stromer (Jason Keigley) of West Des Moines; granddaughters Meghan Bishop of Minneapolis, MN, and Hannah Bishop of Brookfield, WI; sisters-in-law Millie (Murra) Stromer of Garner, Juanita (Cordes) Stromer of Garner, Jeanne (Mayer) Stromer of Denver, CO, Iyla Stranahan of Barling, AR, and Carolyn Brandt of Waverly, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

Val was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Bryon Stromer, Velere Stromer, and Lyndon Stromer; his in-laws Maria and August Brandt; sisters- and brothers-in-law Norma (Brandt) and Walter Kuenstling, Willadine (Greeley) and Harvey Brandt, Malinda (Brandt) and Erwin Aswegan, and William Stranahan; and son-in-law Bruce Bishop.

The family expresses their heartfelt thanks to the Iowa Heart Hospital and Mercy One healthcare teams who supported Val through two heart surgeries performed by the same heart surgeon twenty years apart, as well as to the home healthcare team, especially Lacey.

As Val would often say, “Don’t forget to shut the light off” when you leave. Until then, let your little light shine for all to see.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 11, at noon at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 1701 W. Jester Park Drive, Polk City, Iowa, with visitation prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. You may also watch the service online at the church’s website at:  https://www.youtube.com/bslcpolkcity/live