Natalie Mae Elaine Amen Stroschein, born January 2, 1929, in Canton, SD, to Ludwig and Palma (Narum) Fladmark, passed away on July 29, 2024.
She was 2½ years old when her father died, leading her mother, sister, and her to live with their maternal grandparents. They eventually moved into their own home during her high school years. Natalie was a vibrant and dedicated student. Confirmed in the 8th grade, she taught Sunday school to kindergarteners throughout high school while being heavily involved in music. Working six nights a week at a movie theater, she graduated in 1947 and went on to work for the telephone company and a finance firm in Sioux Falls, SD.
On July 31, 1950, Natalie married Howard Amen. They welcomed a daughter, Debra, in 1951 and another daughter, Barbara, in 1957, but they also endured the heartbreak of losing an infant son, David, in 1955. They moved to Brookings for Howard’s final year of college, where Natalie worked as a secretary for the physics and mechanical engineering departments at SDSU. Later, they lived in Lennox and Brookings again where Howard taught and coached at SDSU. In 1965 the family moved to Belle Fourche, where Natalie was active in church and began working in abstracting.
In 1976, they moved to Fargo after Howard and his partner acquired several businesses, including Hebron Brickyard. Natalie managed the brickyard office and also was bookkeeper. She became a cherished member of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), eventually serving as a discussion leader.
Following Howard’s death in 1985, Natalie relocated to Sioux Falls in 1989, continuing her participation in BSF and Women’s Circle groups. In 1990, she married Milo Stroschein, and they enjoyed many happy years together until his passing in 2017. Natalie moved to Fargo in 2021 to be closer to her daughter. Despite health challenges, including a stroke that led to her passing, she remained positive and grateful to her caregivers.
Natalie was known for her warmth, kindness, patience and generosity. She had a passion for music, painting, knitting, and an unending love for chocolate. Her quick wit and playful teasing brought joy to those around her. A devoted mother and grandmother, Natalie’s legacy is one of grace, resilience, class and unwavering faith. Her deep connection with her family and friends, along with her spirited personality, left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
She is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Michael) Flynn; grandchildren, Randilyn (Joe) Dombek, Michael (Amber) Lobdell, Lindsay Flynn (James), Jeff Flynn (Alisa), and Christina (Gene) Gries; great-grandchildren, Aidan, Ruby, Wilder, Paxton, Marissa, Madelyn, Abigail, Alexia, Sarah and Trisha; stepchildren, Nathan (Kim) Stroschein, Lori (Mark) Dybvig, Nanette (Danny) Koehn; and many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Natalie was preceded in death by her husbands, Howard Amen and Milo Stroschein; daughter, Debra Justice; infant son, David; grandchildren, Kathy Justice and Stephen Justice; her parents; and her sister, Marilyn Tommeraasen.
In memory of Natalie, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (http://www.stjude.org/donate) or Hospice of the Red River Valley, Fargo.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 with a visitation one hour prior, at First Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation will also be held on Monday, August 5 from 5:00 -7:00 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Canton, SD.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.hansonrunsvold.com
Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home – Fargo, ND
