Major Lenard Pete Stromquist, 76, of Athens passed away on Monday at Athens Limestone Hospital. Pete was born in Topeka, Kansas to Lenard M. Stromquist and Viola B. Stromquist.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Kay M. Clowry (Jim). Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Carolyn Stromquist; daughter, Janene Harries (Michael); grandsons, Zachary Harries and Trenton Harries all of Athens, Alabama; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and one great-great niece.
Pete graduated from Topeka High School, Topeka, Kansas in 1962 and attended Washburn University before enlisting in the United States Army in 1964. He served 20 years in the US Army including two tours of duty in the Vietnam Conflict and retired as a Major.
During his time in the Army, he earned numerous honors including, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Aviator Badge, Parachute Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Purple Heart, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal (three Awards), Bronze Star Medal (2d Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Humanitarian. He attended flight school to become a helicopter pilot and later became a flight instructor. He was also a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division (58th Air Traffic Control Battalion).
After retiring from the United States Army, he moved to Athens, Alabama and worked for 30 years as a cost analyst, most of those years at Redstone Arsenal. He graduated from Athens State College in 1992 with a degree in Business. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. He was also a dedicated volunteer of 20 years to Hospice, where he was a facilitator to many children that had lost loved ones. Pete had a servant’s heart and was known to many as “Grandpa Pete”. Pete was an organ donor, and his eyes were provided to Alabama Eye Bank.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Hospice of the Valley (Decatur, AL), Alabama Veterans Museum (Athens, AL), Wounded Warrior Project, Alabama Kidney Foundation or a charity of choice.
A memorial service will be held at a future date.
