I JOHN 3:1
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are!”
According to the Lord’s plan that was written in eternity for him, Aaron Michael Strong, was born in South St. Paul, Minnesota on August 6, 1982. He was the first-born son of Dennis and Kathryn (Mammel) Strong. The Lord of grace saw to it that Aaron’s need for spiritual rebirth was met when his God-fearing parents brought him to the font of Grace Lutheran Church in South St. Paul, MN to be washed in the waters of holy baptism on August 15, 1982. In that simple means of grace, administered by his father, Vicar Dennis Strong, saving faith was gifted to him along with the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. The Spirit’s working made him a newly adopted son in the family of God.
During the years his father was called to serve the Lord at Zion Lutheran Church in Allenton, WI, the Author and Finisher of faith continued to nurture Aaron through the ministry of St. Lucas Lutheran School in Kewaskum, Wisconsin during his formative years in grade school. He was privileged to hear the word of life from Christian teachers from Kindergarten through Eighth Grade, graduating in 1996. It was on May 19th of 1996 that Aaron stood before the altar of his home church, Zion Lutheran Church in Allenton, and made his life-long vow of faithfulness to his Savior at the rite of confirmation. It was a vow that the Lord of grace alone enabled Aaron to keep and to live out, until the end of his earthly life.
Aaron’s faith continued to be strengthened daily during his high school years through the Holy Spirit’s work among the staff of West Lutheran High School, in Plymouth, Minnesota, where Aaron was privileged to attend, graduating in Spring of 2000. While Aaron believed that ministry lay ahead on his future path, it was during his senior year at West that the Lord of the Church planted the call to pastoral ministry in Aaron’s heart. He was always meant to be a shepherd and Aaron pursued that vocation with joy and conviction.
In line with His perfect plan and timing for Aaron, the Lord brought Abbie Rachel Henke into his life during their college years at Martin Luther College, the WELS College of Ministry, in New Ulm, Minnesota. Having graduated in 2004, Aaron prepared to head to the seminary for continued preparation for pastoral ministry and Abbie served the Lord establishing a preschool ministry in St. Louis, Missouri. A year later, on June 25, 2005, Aaron and Abbie spoke their vows of faithfulness to the Lord and to one another before the Lord’s altar at Bethany Lutheran Church, Appleton, Wisconsin, Pastor Dennis Strong presiding. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Hannah and Elijah, and the Lord granted them 17+ years together to build a home filled with love for God and each other.
Aaron completed his training for ministry at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wisconsin in May of 2008 and his faithful God, who had never left his side during his training, was now ready to put Aaron’s numerous gifts, positive personality, and deep desire to share Jesus with others to work in the service of His kingdom. Having served his vicar year (a year of ministry internship) at Water of Life Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, Nevada (2006-2007) the Lord of the Church entrusted Aaron with the task of establishing a new home mission, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in the NW corner of Las Vegas, Nevada. The Spirit used Aaron’s gifts in fruitful service from 2008 to 2015 at Shepherd of Hills and in the AZ-CA District as Campus Ministry pastor, Military Contact pastor, LWMS Spiritual Advisor, and as a member of the Commision of Evangelism.
Always knowing what is best for His kingdom and His servants, the Lord called Aaron to serve as associate pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin in August of 2015. He served with joy and enthusiasm whether leading the Point of Grace campus ministry, serving at Grace in the Ward, or in any number of ways at Grace’s downtown campus and community. It brought him great joy to work among God’s people pursuing God’s mission to share the love of Jesus one heart and home at a time.
God is always good and blesses His children in so many ways in our earthly lives as a testament to His kindness. Aaron loved spending time with family and friends and was willing to lend a hand in any way he could. He enjoyed sports of any kind and was a true home-team fan of the Brewers, Bucks, Badgers, and of course, the Pack. Traveling, hiking, and backpacking were favorite pastimes. He had the unique ability to tackle any home project from woodworking to gutting a room down to the studs and remodeling it. He was gifted in choral and instrumental music and whatever he put his effort into, the Lord brought blessing to him and to others.
In His infinite wisdom and according to His timing, the Lord saw fit to bring Aaron to Himself in heaven on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, through a sudden and unexpected auto accident. The Lord of grace had granted Aaron 40 years, 2 months, and 6 days. Even in passing from this earthly life, Aaron shared his love for God and others through tissue donation that may assist as many as 50+ recipients. God’s generosity in giving His son, Jesus, compelled Aaron to make this final gesture of compassion for others. His mortal remains will be interred at Wauwatosa Cemetery on October 20, there to await the Lord’s final return when Aaron will then receive as to his body that which he now possesses as to his soul, namely, eternal and perfect joy in the Lord’s presence.
Aaron is survived by his wife Abbie; his daughter Hannah; and his son Elijah. He is further survived by his parents Rev Dennis and Kathy Strong, Grand Junction, CO; sisters Beth (Timothy) Xie, Wuhan, China; Kristin (Ian) Watson, Iowa Colony, TX; brothers Philip (Maddie) Strong, Rochester, MN; Steven (Jodi) Strong, La Crosse, WI; Jason (Rebekah) Strong, Fairbanks, AK. In addition, Aaron is survived by his paternal grandmother, Gladys Strong; many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, his in-laws, Rev Mark and Marilyn Henke, Greenville, WI; and many brothers and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Maynard Strong, Remus, MI; and his maternal grandparents Otto and Betty Mammel, Onalaska, WI.
The Lord would have us find our comfort, strength, and joy in Him alone…
“Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:3,4,17,18)
Visitation at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1209 N. Broadway in Milwaukee on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, from 4 PM until 8 PM. Additional visitation at Grace on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, from 5 PM until 6 PM followed by the funeral service at 6:30 PM. Private burial for the family will take place in the Wauwatosa Cemetery. For those who would wish to honor Pastor, the family suggests contributions to either the WELS Home Missions Fund or the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church Building Fund.
