Charlie Stromberg, 84 of Freeland, Wash. passed away on Sept. 20, 2017 at Careage of Whidbey. Charlie was born in Minneapolis, Minn. on Nov. 5, 1932 to Hans and Katherine Stromberg.

Charlie grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and for three years served as a pilot in the US Air Force. He earned four degrees from the University of Cincinnati, including an Interdisciplinary PhD and a Master of Urban &Regional Planning. An avid outdoorsman, Charlie spent many years enjoying the mountains of Colorado before ultimately retiring to his beloved Whidbey Island. Whidbey Island was the ideal place for Charlie to pursue his interests in sailing, jazz music and dreaming of “reconciliation and peace for the world.”

Charlie loved spending time with his long-time partner, Nancy Kennedy, as well as, playing his saxophone in the Breaded Fish Band at Trinity Lutheran Church and singing, dancing and playing sax in the Fun Band.

Charlie is survived by his son Mark Stromberg, daughter Ruth Batson McCluer and grandson Tyler Bennet.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland.