Benjamin STRONG

Benjamin Merne Strong passed away on August 21 in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Benjamin was born on December 23, 1933 in Logan, IA in the infamous white home on the hill. Benjamin graduated from Fremont High School in 1952. After finishing high school, he enlisted into the United States Army. He met his wife, Joan in Fremont through mutual friends and never looked back from there. They married April 11, 1955 at the Bethlehem Chapel in Howells, NE. After the wedding, Benjamin went off to Germany with his wife to honorably serve in the United States Army. During this time spent in Germany, Benjamin and Joan were blessed with a daughter, Vikki. Once Benjamin completed his military obligations in 1957, he moved his family back to Nebraska to continue farming and to raise his family the Cornhusker way. In 1958, Benjamin and Joan were blessed with a son, Jeffrey. Benjamin was always a devoted family man, and successfully blended his home into a close-knit family, something of which Benjamin was forever proud of. After nine years of farming, Benjamin decided to pursue different opportunities. He chose to continue his education at Midland Lutheran College and University of Nebraska in Omaha to pursue Business. After finishing his academic goals, he was employed by Western Electric, Grinnell Mutual, Standard Chemical, Golden Sun, Vering Feed Service, before ending up at Farm Service Coop as a Feed Specialist. During his career, those with whom he worked with, and especially those lucky enough to be a part of his family, found him to be a tough, but fair leader, capable of earning anyone’s deepest respect. They also knew he would stand by them through adversity, and always be a trusted friend no matter the circumstance. More than a few co-workers, as well as his family, commented that Benjamin would bring the best out of those around him. He definitely would speak his mind and challenge others to meet their potential, but would be sitting, chatting with them over coffee or a soda minutes later. No matter how busy he was with managing his responsibilities, he would always want to do more. Benjamin always made time to be an active member in the community he resided in. He did so by being a little league coach, was an elder in the church, a Sunday school teacher, and joined the Mason’s. After Benjamin’s retirement, he and Joan moved to Lake Havasu City, AZ to enjoy the beautiful landscape. He enjoyed visiting the Eagles Club, playing cards and pool, maintaining his yard, cheering on his Cornhuskers and Diamondbacks from his recliner, and occasionally “resting his eyes”. Most of all, he would enjoy his western movies no matter how many times he had seen them. Despite his family’s request to change the channel, he would smile and simply respond, “You’re not the boss of me!” He proved to provide the same unconditional love and support to those who had a chance to be a part of his life. He may be gone, but he certainly isn’t forgotten and never will be. He was from an era when a handshake or a man’s word was a bond, and his friendship was definitely everlasting. Benjamin was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Irma Strong; his daughter, Vikki Pagliai; his brother, Max Strong; and his sister, Linda Foxworthy. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Joan and son, Jeffrey of Lake Havasu City, AZ; five grandchildren, Jeff Strong (Lindsey) of Waukee, IA; Jessica Lewis (Craig); Jace Strong of Lake Havasu City, AZ; Tony Pagliai, and Jackie Pagliai, both of Iowa City, IA; one great grandchild, Cameron Lewis; as well as, many nieces, nephews, family and friends.Funeral services and burial will take place at a later date in Nebraska.Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.

Benjamin STRONG

August 21, 2009