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Rose Stromstra

September 11, 2017
Kalamazoo, MI

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Rose Stromsta, age 94, of Kalamazoo, Michigan Rose O'Bradovich Stromsta, born September 25, 1922 in Nunica, MI, was a passionate and opinionated woman who cared fiercely about the people she loved. The youngest of 6 from a farming immigrant Croatian family,( Annie Cooper, Eli O'Bradovich, Emil O'Bradovich, Peggy Douard, and her surviving sibling Eleanor Goll), she had an inspiring drive to see the world and enjoy life. During WWII she met her future husband Courtney while handing out gasoline ration tickets. Thinking he was special, she gave him extra rations. After seven years of dating and tired of waiting, Rose proposed to Courtney. He agreed to a small wedding, there were 300 in attendance. She was an early female aviator who completed her training, but never received her certification after illegally taking a cousin flying hours before receiving her license. Around this time Rose competed in the Miss Michigan pageant, and was 1st runner up. During her husband's professional career at Ohio State and Western Michigan University, Rose was known for hosting international gatherings, and inviting professors and their families to meet and get to know each other. As a result of Courtney's research and speaking engagements around the world, the Stromsta family travelled extensively, living in Yugoslavia in the 60's and Sweden in the 70s. Rose earned two Master's degrees while in Sweden. Rose taught hundreds of students through the years in the Kalamazoo Public School system, 4th grade at Northglade 1968-1970, and 6th at Lincoln Elementary 1970-1988. She was particularly good at taking students performing below grade level and bringing them to above grade level. She was also known for teaching her students harmonica and square dance, which they performed for the elderly around Kalamazoo. Rose was one of 250 national finalists for the NASA Teacher in Space program in 1985. She met Christa McAuliffe (who ultimately was chosen for the mission) while watching the shuttle launch prior to the Explorer tragedy. She felt education to be of the utmost importance, and did whatever she could to facilitate this for everyone, particularly her grandchildren. After retiring, Rose continued to help students learn and achieve by staying connected with Sveri's students. She really enjoyed collaborating with Sveri, and helping with the Loy Norrix Peace Jam and Battle Creek VA Medical Center Living History projects. Rose and Courtney loved golf. After they retired, they travelled to play golf on 6 continents. After the loss of their respective husbands, Rose and her elder sister Eleanor (99) maintained a close sisterly bond, traveling together and having daily phone calls (especially about the Detroit Tigers). Rose continued to play golf for many years, which she loved to do with her son Scot. In the 90s she travelled to Antarctica, hitting golf balls on her 7th continent. She proudly won the gold medal for golf in the Senior National Olympics in 2013. Her greatest love was her husband of 45 years, Courtney Stromsta who passed away in 1995, and her family; son Scot (Patricia) and their children - Karl-Erik (Michelle and great- grandson Soren), Derek, Annalise (Matthew), and daughter Sveri (John) and their children - Leana, Kerstin (Andy), and Jonathan. Rose's feisty spirit, amazing sayings, big opinions and big heart will live on in her family members for generations to come. Cremation has taken place and her ashes will be interred at a private ceremony. If a memorial donation is desired to be made, it can be made to: Loy Norrix Peacejam or Loy Norrix Living History Project sent to Loy Norrix 606 E. Kilgore Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001 c/o Sveri Stromsta May