Richard “Rick” K. Stromberg

Richard “Rick” Stromberg, 77, of Waterford, WI, was called peacefully home on June 28th, 2025, at Angels Grace Hospice after his courageous battle with esophageal cancer and heart failure.

He was born on June 26th, 1948, the last of six children to Margaret (nee Meggison) & Raymond Stromberg in West Allis, WI. 

Rick was a graduate of West Allis Central High School and soon after joined the US Marine Corps, where he honorably served his country in the Vietnam War, 1969-1971. Soon after, he met his wife, Gail. They married on May 31st, 1975, and just celebrated their 50th Anniversary. In 1988, they moved to Waterford and built their first home. He was a tool & die maker and had a 30 year career at Master Lock in Milwaukee, WI. In his free time, he enjoyed sports. In his youth, he enjoyed playing baseball, frequently riding his bike to watch the Milwaukee Braves practice and getting to know the players. He loved his Brewers, Packers & Bucks teams. You could find him watching every game, attending a game, or frequently checking scores. He had friendly banter over the years with friends & family who were Chicago or Detroit fans. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, listening to music, and taking vacations to their favorite spot, Anna Maria Island, FL.

He will be missed by his loving family: wife Gail (nee Polenc), daughters Nicole (Dave) Christman and Shannon (Sean) Pippin. Rick was the proud papa of Marlee (Ryan) Herrick and Sophia & Cash Pippin. Further survived by his brother-in-laws Scott Polenc & John McKay, mother-in-law Darlene Polenc, best friend of 62 years Bob (Mary) Pelnar, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Ray (Rose) Stromberg, sisters Raemarie (Jim) Tomkiewicz, LaRue (John) McKay, Verna (Joe) Gallitz, and Pamela (Jack) Hartmann. Father-in-law Robert (Darlene) Polenc, dear nieces, nephews, and friends. 

A special thanks to the caring and supportive staff at Angels Grace Hospice of Oconomowoc, WI, for making his last days comfortable & peaceful. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 6th, at Integrity Celebration Center, 2789 Browns Lake Dr., Burlington, WI 53105, from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at 3:50 p.m. Military Honors will conclude the service, and a luncheon will be held directly after.

Rick will be laid to rest at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI, on a future date with private services.

Memorials can be made in Rick’s name to a Cancer or Veterans charity of your choice.