Born Aug 31, 1912, on the family farm two miles northeast of Florence, he was the son of Carl and Elizabeth (Bess) Stromberg.

His father began the family dairy operation when Benard was three years old. Following his father's death in 1920, Benard, his older brother Clarence, and his mother continued to dairy by themselves for two years. When his mother remarried they worked to expand the dairy business.

After his brother's death in 1925 and his stepfathers death three years later, Benard continued to operate the farm and dairy while going to school.

He made time to pursue one of his greatest loves, music. He sang in the Florence Memorial High School boys' quartet, boys' glee club, and mixed chorus. When he was a junior in high school, Benard was asked to be the tenor in the Methodist church's mixed quartet. In 1957, he joined the Youngtown Male Quartet. The group, consisting of Benard, David Bowers, Leonard Klassen, and Ray Davidson, sang together for more than 40 years at churches, rest homes, community events, and other occasions.

In 1931 he graduated from Florence Memorial High School and devoted his time to expanding the family dairy. His mother worked alongside him until her death in 1967.

On Nov. 18, 1967, he married Helen (Peterson) Sellers at Lyons. She died Dec 9, 2003.

The couple ran the Stromberg Dairy until he retired in 1977. They continued to farm and remained active in the Florence community.

As a member of the Florentine Senior Center, he served as president, vice president, and treasurer. He also served as president and secretary/treasurer of Marion County Senior Citizens Inc. He was actively involved in the Youngtown United Methodist Church and served as a Sunday school teacher for many years.

The Strombergs were strong community supporters and were visible participants in the city of Florence. they shoveled snow, planted flowers, organized a Meals on Wheels program, delivered those meals, cared for shut-ins, and drove others to doctor's appointments.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather and brother.

Survivors include a stepson and daughter-in-law, Robert and Leah Sellers of Florence; A stepdaughter and husband, Margaret and Bob Harris of Marion; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. Friday at Florence Christian church with the Revs. Harold Brown and Marilyn Cox officiating.

Visitation will be held from noon to 2 P.M. the day of the service.

Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery.