More detail on this person: RED LODGE -
Ernest C. Strum, Lt. Col., U.S. Army, retired,
passed away peacefully surrounded by family Dec.
19, 2013, at his home in Red Lodge. He was born
Jan. 31, 1931, in Seattle, Wash., graduating from
the University of Washington College of Forestry
in 1954. The son of Charles and Erna Strum, he
was the oldest of three siblings. On Dec. 18,
1954, he married Marjorie Moyer, whom he met at a
Seattle Mountaineers ski lodge.
Ernie had a strong passion for the outdoors.
During his college years he worked summers as a
fire lookout for the U.S. Forest Service. He
enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, horse-packing
and backpacking. He especially loved spending
time horse packing with Marge in the Absaroka
Beartooth Wilderness. During his retirement Ernie
and Marge explored Alaska on three extended trips
with their trusty van "Basecamp."
Ernie was a decorated U.S. Army veteran,
completing two tours in Vietnam and serving at
posts in Panama, Venezuela, Germany and various
locations around the continental U.S. Ernie was a
Senior Aviator awarded the Legion of Merit, the
Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters, and the
Air Medal with 19 oak leaf clusters. Following
retirement from the Army, Ernie enjoyed a
successful career in real estate, opening the Red
Lodge office of C-Mor Real Estate. After 20 years
with C-Mor, Ernie followed his true passion and
founded Rocky Fork Guide Service, becoming a
licensed outfitter and fly fishing guide, and a
Federation of Fly Fishermen certified fly casting
instructor. Ernie was happiest teaching. He loved
to introduce newcomers to the outdoors and the
pursuit of fishing and hunting. His teaching
included over 30 years of volunteer work as a
hunter's education chief instructor for the
Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks in
Carbon County.
He was deeply rooted in the Red Lodge community,
involved with the Chamber of Commerce, Inquiry
Club, Rotary, and helped establish the Beartooth
Nature Center, the Silver Run Wildlife Management
Area, and the Lily Pad Lake Trail. Ernie was also
an active member of the Beartooth Back Country
Horsemen, enjoying his love of horses and the back
country.
Ernie was very proud of his family and their
accomplishments. They know that he wants us to
keep his memory in our hearts, but not to mourn
his passing.
He is survived by his bride of 59 years, Marjorie,
the love of his life. He is also survived by his
children, David (Kathy) Strum and Charles (Lois)
Strum, of Billings, and Karen Bertek (fiancé Steve
Hoover), of Fargo, N.D.; grandchildren, Jolene
Strum, Jillian (Andy) Miller, Nathan Strum, Amy
Strum, Brian (Beka) Strum and Taylor Bertek;
sister Charlotte (Jerry) Garrison; niece, Jaylynn
Mossman and nephew. Chris Mossman. Ernie was
preceded in death by his parents, Charles and
Erna, brother Raymond and grandson Adam Bertek.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 28, at the Twin Elk building at
Rock Creek Resort south of Red Lodge. Cremation
has taken place. Smith-Olcott Funeral Chapel is
assisting with arrangements.
Memorials may be given to the Disabled American
Veterans in Ernie's name.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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