Donald Arthur Stroberg, 90, passed away at Columbine Commons Health and Rehab Facility in Windsor on May 15th, 2024. He was born April 23, 1934, in Greeley to Arthur G. Stroberg and Hilma V. (Aronson) Stroberg.
Don graduated from Eaton High School in 1952 and married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Jean Blehm, that fall. That same year the Steele brothers bought Longley's grocery store where Don had worked since he was 13 years old. George Steele promoted Don to produce manager, later to assistant manager and in 1973 Don bought the store. It became Don's Super Foods.
The grocery business was his calling. Don loved his customers and knew most by name. Many young people found their first employment experience at the store. One of his favorite times of the year was Eaton Community Days. Local businessmen hosted the event and worked together to organize/design/create a parade and BBQ for the community each summer, free to all in the early years!
Don also served the community as a volunteer fireman for 20 years. He was an active member of Eaton Civic Association and Eaton Chamber of Commerce, Christian Businessmen's Committee, a board member for Centennial Bank and Farmer's Bank, and served on various other boards and committees. He was a founding member of Faith Lutheran Church and on the building committee. Later he became a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Eaton, serving as an Elder and Deacon as well as being a member of several mission teams to India, Belize and disaster relief in New Orleans. Don's faith in Jesus Christ shone in his service and quiet manner, and his wise counsel was often sought out and appreciated. Don's dry sense of humor endeared him to many, and he usually had a joke ready to share.
Don has been the recipient of numerous awards over the years including Eaton's Citizen of the Year in 1981, Sertoma's Service To Mankind Award, Eaton Days Parade Grand Marshal, Spirit of America from National Grocers Association to name a few.
Don and Shirley have two children, Doris and Doug. The family lived a few blocks from the store for many years. Contrary to popular belief, the kids did not get to have free things, they had to pay like everyone else! Don and Shirley had the privilege of traveling to different parts of the world through Associated Grocers.
In 2019, Don and Shirley sold their home and moved into a senior living facility as Don's PSP, a Parkinsonism, began to progress. Even after Don made the move to Columbine Commons for more care, visitors and staff alike enjoyed his quick wit and ready smile.
Don was preceded in death by son Doug Stroberg, his parents, brother William (Bill), and granddaughter Renee Meeker.
He is survived by his wife Shirley J. (Blehm) Stroberg of Windsor, daughter Doris (Russell) Meeker of Eaton, 3 grandchildren - Scott Meeker of Eaton, Amanda (Mike) Lucas and Stephen (Elizabeth) Meeker both of Windsor, 9 great grandchildren, sister Margaret (Peggy) Parker of Imperial, NE and many nieces and nephews.
Don was a man who loved his Lord, his family, his friends and his community. He will be sorely missed.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the ministry in India where Don served. Checks can be made out to EFC of Eaton, 1325 3rd Street in Eaton, Colorado.
A visitation will be held from 4-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the Evangelical Free Church of Eaton. A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 20, 2024, also at the Evangelical Free Church. Interment at the Eaton Cemetery.