Eileen Strong
Eileen E. and Dale L. Strong passed away November 17, 2020 and November 26, 2020, respectively.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 11:00 AM at
Martin’s Funeral Home at 100 S. Morgan Street, Granbury, Texas.
Eileen Ellen Einung was born September 27, 1940 in Dodge, Nebraska. She graduated from Norfolk High School in 1958. Shortly after graduating she married Dale Strong. They had three children, Amy, Julie and Bryan. Dale was in the United States Air Force, and Eileen enjoyed the life of a military wife. She thought it was exciting to travel throughout the United States; as well as foreign countries. Eileen and Dale were stationed in Taiwan for 3 years, where she was able to experience a completely different culture. As much as she enjoyed the military lifestyle, it could be quite difficult and challenging – especially during time of war. Eileen was often left alone to raise their children; as Dale had extended duty flying overseas. As a result, she developed lifelong friendships with many military wives.
When Dale got stationed at Kincheloe AFB in Upper Pennisula Michigan, and her children were in school, Eileen volunteered at the Rudyard Area Schools. She was later hired as a
teacher’s aide, and eventually promoted to secretary of the elementary school. Her cheerful attitude, kindness and ability to be calm under any circumstance made her a favorite among teachers, parents and students. In 1997, she retired from the Michigan School System. Eileen loved her family dearly. She enjoyed sewing, needlework, shopping, gardening, reading, baking (best cinnamon rolls ever), traveling (especially to gun shows with Dale), and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Eileen was always available with a listening ear, encouraging smile and caring attitude for Dale, her children, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Talmer J. and Kristina M. Einung.
Dale Lavern Strong was born November 18, 1934 in O’Neill, Nebraska. He was active in Boy Scouts and achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating from high school in 1952, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He applied and was selected for the Boot Strap Program. After graduating from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. As a 2nd Lieutenant, he was selected to attend Navigator Training. He was a Navigator in the B-47 Bomber; C-130 Transport and B-52 Bomber. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During his
time in the military, he also received his Master’s Degree from Central Michigan University. In 1976, after 24 years in the Air Force, he retired as a Major and built a home in Rudyard, Michigan. During his Air Force career, he received numerous awards, including an Air Medal a Bronze Star, and 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses. After retiring from the Air Force, he began working for the State of Michigan at the Department of Corrections. In 1992 he retired from the State of Michigan. He and Eileen left Michigan and moved to Granbury, Texas in 1998. Through his adult years Dale had a passion for collecting antique firearms. He and Eileen spent many hours researching gun guides and catalogs. They traveled all over the United States attending auctions and visiting antique firearm stores in search of their next acquisition. Dale also enjoyed fishing, hunting and wood working. He made beautiful furniture for Eileen and his children. When he moved to Granbury, he became interested in building and flying model airplanes.
In addition to their three children, Amy E. Ridgely (D. Brett Ridgely, husband), Julie K. Carlsen (John Anders Carlsen, husband) and Bryan D. Strong (Beth Sprague Strong, wife), they are survived by their grandchildren, Theodore W. Kinney, Z. Ryan Ridgely, Jacob D. Strong, Emma K. Strong, Benjamin N. Strong, and Christopher J. Carlsen and their great grandchildren, Scarlett M. Ridgely and Jase D. Strong. He is also survived by his sister, Lynnette Chamberlin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Mabel Strong, sister Mavis Plessel, and brother Roger Strong.
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