In 1976, he and his family moved again, to Westfield, New Jersey, so Robert could work for the Board of Homeland Ministries of the UCC in the health and welfare division. He cut his teeth there on the JP Stevens boycott, and he spent those years advocating for the poor and for fair labor practices across the country. In 1988, he was appointed as the Association Minister for the Western Reserve Association of the UCC’s Ohio Conference and re-located to Lakewood, Ohio. For the next 12 years until he retired, he oversaw the running of the association, and with other leaders started new churches for new communities of faith and founded the first LGBT church in the conference’s history.
After his retirement in the year 2000, he continued to be active in social justice causes, with a particular passion for fairness in labor practices and equality for LGBT people everywhere. He served as co-chair of the Cleveland branch of Jobs with Justice, fighting for a living wage for workers, and he and his wife, Joyce, were a constant fixture at any protest, hearing, or event where equality for gays and lesbians and transgendered individuals was being promoted.
Throughout his life his family was always just as important as seeing justice done for everyone. He and his wife were a devoted couple for the entirety of their marriage. He was also a loving and supportive father and grandfather, with a great sense of humor. He was an omnivorous reader and was proud to be called an intellectual. He was also an avid and loyal Pittsburgh Steelers fan and supported the team no matter where he lived; being a fair man, he would also support the local team, unless they were playing the Steelers. His gentle and wise manner earned him many friends and admirers over the years. He will be greatly missed by many, but most particularly by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Sadly, his beloved wife Joyce, passed in August 2017, two years after Bob, and his daughter Beth in May 2018 of cancer. He is currently survived by his children Erik, Gayle, and Ingrid, and three grandchildren, Matthew, Melissa, and Jennifer.
Donations in Robert's memory can be made in his name to one of the causes he cherished and fought for in his life: The United Church of Christ Open and Affirming Coalition, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and/or Planned Parenthood.
Tributes
Leave a tributeuserhn9650@gmail.com. I am crippled with arthritis and severe heart problems, but at 83 I live with my partner Eric Braitmayer in Fairhaven, MA, and otherwise happy, and miss Bob and Joyce—a mystery solved.
Nancy
Nancy
Bob modeled for me justice and lovingkindness in the midst of church structures and political madness. He constantly reminded me why God wants us to keep on with gospel proclamation for all humanity, for all time.
My deepest condolences to Joyce and the entire Strommen family.
Leave a Tribute
Please be patient.
Please be patient.
Please be patient.
Please be patient.
Please be patient.
Please be patient.
Please be patient.
Happy birthday Daddy.
Tribute from PFLAG Cleveland
I just received the news about your dad. Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your father and please extend our thoughts and prayers to your mother and the rest of your family.
Your mom and dad were loyal and longtime members of PFLAG Cleveland. Their warm and caring attitude extended to everyone wherever they went. Bob will be sorely missed and my heart aches for Joyce.
I will pass along the news to our members many of whom benefitted from your dad's wise counsel.
Warmly
Sharon
Sharon Groh-Wargo
President, PFLAG Cleveland