Services
Obituary
Douglas A. Stromley, 60, of Des Moines, passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023 at his home.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane South in Belmond.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the funeral home.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas Stromley, a remarkable individual whose life was filled with passion, creativity, and a unique sense of humor that left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him. He is survived by his brother Danny, sister Brenda, son Mark and Dog Pippy. Along with many family members and close friends.
Born on March 16, 1963 in Leon Iowa Douglas embarked on a journey of life that took him to many places and allowed him to touch countless hearts. He grew up on the family farm in St Ansgar Iowa where he loved to ride horses with his sister Brenda. His brother Danny and father Kenny enjoyed working on anything with an engine. His entire life Douglas was extremely close to his mother Judy, she was his lifelong best friend and he was greatly impacted by her recent passing.
Douglas attended Saint Ansgar High in Iowa and Albert Lea High in Minnesota where he first began to showcase his eclectic style and unique wit that would become his hallmark. He was a man of great depth. A decorator with an eye for the beauty in antiques and a sense for design that was inspired by his beloved Aunt Betty.
He fulfilled his dream of owning and operating the Stanford Inn alongside his lifelong friend Kevin. Located just blocks off Lake Superior in Duluth Minnesota, it was a charming bed and breakfast adored by all who entered. His guests not only enjoyed his hospitality but also marveled at the restoration and decorative touches of the old Victorian home. In pursuit of expanding the business Douglas attended the Culinary Institute of America in Poughkeepsie, New York where he learned to make wonderful dinners for his guests. His son Mark enjoyed spending his elementary school summer vacations at the Inn.
In the 1990s Douglas ventured into the world of antiques, opening his own antique store on Broadway in Denver, Colorado. His dedication to the preservation of history and craftsmanship led him to work at Eron Johnson Antiques and Restoration where he continued to breathe new life into cherished relics.
Later in life Douglas embarked on a journey of education relocating to Mason City, Iowa. He graduated from North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) with his Associates of Art on December 13, 2012. He then went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Psychology, and Human Services at Buena Vista University, where he graduated on August of 2015. Throughout this journey he worked at Affordables, a vocational rehabilitation center. He helped people with disabilities in their home store learn vocational skills. Douglas wholeheartedly believed in the value of giving back to those in need and would tirelessly help someone. Even if it caused him great stress.
Continuing his quest for personal growth Douglas pursued a Master's of Clinical Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling at Drake University. He received his MS degree on August 5, 2019. After graduating Douglas was employed as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Where he continued to help people in need gain employment and independence.
On October 16, 2023, at the age of 60, we lost a father, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, a friend, a decorator, a collector, an educator, a counselor and a compassionate soul. Douglas Stromley's influence and legacy will be remembered, celebrated, and carried forward by all who knew and loved him.
A memorial service to honor Douglas's life will be held at the Ewing Funeral Home in Belmond, Iowa, on November 4 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Affordables to continue the mission that Douglas held so dear. You can contribute to this cause at 43 North Iowa “43northiowa.org/affordables”
Douglas Stromley's life was a testament to the power of kindness, creativity, and unwavering dedication to helping others. His memory will continue to inspire those who knew him, and his impact on the world will live on through the lives he touched and the charitable work he championed.