In Memory of Elaine B. Strong

Elaine Strong, age 91, of Adel, Iowa (formerly of Ida Grove, Iowa) passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Adel Acres of Adel, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. Mr. Jared K. Zobel will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held one-hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Elaine Barbara (Burton) Strong left this earthly life on January 4, 2025, at the age of 91. She was born into the hands of her grandmother, Effie Burton, on a farm west of Ida Grove, Iowa. She was welcomed by her parents, Clarence and Herbanna (Abbott) Burton on July 21, 1933. 

A tragic farm accident claimed her father's life when she was just a young girl. A few years later, along with her mother and two sisters, they moved to a farm east of Ida Grove. There she began her education at country school. In high school she was active in basketball, choir, and traveling softball league where she met the love of her life, Walter Strong. She graduated in 1952 and a week later her and Walter married and began their life together in Kentucky as he was stationed there in the Army. They celebrated 61 years of marriage together.

Elaine was a huge lover of all sports especially the Chicago Bulls and the Kansas City Chiefs. She loved tending to her flowers and feeding the birds and squirrels, one of which would eat directly from her hand. "Hells Bells" as she would always say. Elaine enjoyed many years of family vacations, camping and fishing, including spending more than 25 years wintering in Rockport, Texas.

She also loved traveling whether it be with Walter and the Ida Grove Legion Iwo Jima float, a cruise to Alaska or a trip with her daughter, Vickie, to Europe. One of her favorite travels was a trip she won through her Avon sales of 25 years where she went to Monaco and attended a dinner party with Princess Grace. She was very busy as a mom and grandma attending every event she could. She always had an open door for all her kids’ and grandkids’ friends. She was an avid card player whether playing with her friends or family and every game would inevitably involve her coined phrase "Goodnight".

Surviving her are her children: David (Cindy) Strong of Denver, CO, Patty Strong of Des Moines, IA, Teri (Loren) Klein of Ankeny, IA and Diane Bjorholm & her fiancé LJ Early of Urbandale, IA; grandchildren and great-Grandchildren: Derek (Lisa) Strong & children Lucy & Drew, Sarah Strong & Aubrey Godwin & children, Copper & Ollie, Lia Schiavone; Josie Dickerson & her fiancé Shawn Anderson & daughter Nevyn, Liz Tarr, Megan McCormick & her fiancé Teagan Brown & children Harlow & Mac, Jordan Klein, Ben (Jordan) Bjorholm & children Kinley & Kruze, Sam (Masa) Bjorholm & daughter Sophia, and Will (Abby) Bjorholm. Also, sisters Cathy (Rod) Ballard and Connie Snider; along with many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Preceding her in death was her husband Walter Strong; daughter Vickie; great-grandchild Hawk; her parents; stepfather Otto Ferguson; sister Verna Schumann; and many other family & friends.