Karl Jeffrey Strom

Jeff passed away on October 25, 2017. He was born in Seattle on November 3, 1958, and was adopted as an infant by Karl and Ivalee Strom, who also adopted two additional children. He grew up in Renton, WA, and graduated from Hazen High School in 1977.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Stephanie; his mother, Ivalee; his siblings Scott (Sally), Mellisa (Dan) McJunkin; his daughters Rachael, Rebekah (Greg) Everson (their mother Teresa Hackworth, Jeff’s first wife), his son Jesse, grandchildren Perrin and Clara Everson, and his niece and nephew Brionna and Brayden McJunkin. He was preceded in death by his father Karl (2009) and his great-grandmother Mae Therrien (2011).

Family meant everything to Jeff, and he loved nothing more than spending time with them. He was a passionate traveler, and together with his family built many cherished vacation memories. This past summer, he and Stephanie toured Yellowstone Park with his daughter Rebekah, and her family (it was granddaughter Clara’s first trip!). The year before Jeff, Stephanie and Jesse explored southern Utah extensively. Jeff was an avid railroad history enthusiast, and they were sure to stop at every railroad museum they came across during this journey!

Jeff was a gifted craftsman and was drawn to the call of the hammer. He was skilled in all aspects of building, from plumbing, electrical, painting, roofing, cabinetry, fine woodworking, tile work, etc. He ran his own general contracting business for almost 30 years, and his work has graced homes throughout western Washington. Of all of his many talents, woodworking was his real passion; he was a true artist when it came to creating things from wood.

Jeff died peacefully at home, in a house he lived in for over 30 years, in a neighborhood he loved. He cared deeply about the neighborhood and people who live in it. He was the quintessential neighbor, generous in both spirit and in action, always willing to lend an ear, or a hammering hand, to someone in need. His craftsmanship is evident on almost every house on Glen Avenue, and he was famous for his stunning garden of dahlias and lilies. If you stopped to admire his flowers, he was sure to cut you a bouquet on the spot.

Jeff was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1989, but you wouldn’t have known it until the recent years. It eventually slowed him down, but never stopped him. He was on a ladder painting, and installing a gutter a few days prior to his death and as usual, the work was impeccable.

Our beloved husband, son, brother, father, friend and neighbor will be truly missed. A memorial will be held Sat., Nov. 11, at 2:00 pm at the Waltz Building, 116 Ave B, Snohomish, WA.