Father Charles Bud Strom, 95

Father Charles Bud Strom, 95, died on July 12, 2010, at Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center in Whitefish. He was an ordained priest for 38 years. Father Patton saw and anointed him Sunday afternoon. Father Strom graduated from Whitefish High School, and from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education. He taught music for one year before joining the Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel after 25 years of service. Father Strom then attended seminary in Boston. He was ordained in Whitefish in 1972. Father, Uncle Bud, as he was known by his family, served as a true and faithful servant throughout the Diocese of Helena. Father Strom made many world wide pilgrimages " to the Holy Land, to Rome, to China, to Mexico, and throughout Japan and Europe. Father Strom was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Mary Strom; and his brother, Al Strom. He is survived by his sister, Mary McKee, and her husband, Mac; his sister, Helen Englasaer; his nephews, Jim Strom and his wife Linda, Bill McKee, Bob Blush and his wife Susan, and Alan Blush; his nieces, Barbara Niesz, Anne Briscoe and her husband Barry, Leslie Kanzler and her husband Denny, and Claire Blush; and many grand-nephews and -nieces. A visitation will be held at 6 p.m. today, July 14, at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Whitefish. A vigil will take place at 7 p.m. today at St. Charles Borromeo Parish. A Mass will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 15, at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, with the Most Rev. George Leo Thomas, Bishop of Helena officiating. Burial will take place next to his parents at Whitefish Cemetery. Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish is in charge of the arrangements.