Remembering some of Devils Lake’s finest
By Mike Bellmore - Features Editor
Published: Monday, April 28, 2008 11:44 AM CDT
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The recent passing of popular Devils Lake schoolteacher Debbie Stromme from Lou Gehrig’s Disease brought back memories of the late Devils Lake football coach Joe Roller, who died of the same disease.

Lou Gehrig’s Disease, perhaps, isn’t as widespread as cancer. But it seems a little unique, or unusual, to have two people from the same community die from it within a span of not too many years.

Roller suffered with it a lot longer than Stromme did. I remember when he first noticed something was wrong - he’d have trouble opening a car door, or he’d have trouble clutching a football. But he was a big, tough former football player and basketball player.


Those kind of guys seem almost invincible to many, and Joe fought it for a long time. It’s a disease that plays no favorites. Gradually, Joe became confined to a wheelchair. His leg muscles were giving out and his speech became slurred. The entire body is affected by the disease.

Then came the decision to name the football field in his honor. The manner in which he was handling the disease, the class, courage and dignity he displayed in the face of pending death, was an inspiration to so many.

It was reminiscent of the determination he showed as an athlete - one of NDSU’s toughest football players, and a hard-nosed basketball player. I remember sitting in the Sports Center stands that day alongside former Devils Lake Journal editor Jack Zaleski, who has long since been at the Forum in Fargo.



The stands were packed with kids, teachers, fellow coaches, community members and fans. When Joe got up to speak and express his gratitude for the honor, his love for the kids, the school, the teams, and the community, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

I’ve always remembered that day as one of the most emotional I’ve ever encountered as a news person. And I think the passing of Debbie Stromme elicited many of those same emotions. They were two towering figures in the annals of Devils Lake education. Joe and Jodi Roller had a son and daughter. I’m not sure where Becky is at these days, but son Matthew is a doctor in Grand Forks. And, in an ironic twist of fate, was the doctor who diagnosed Debbie with her disease.

Craig and Debbie Stromme were the parents of three fine sons. They’ll both be remembered as iconic figures in the history books of Devils Lake education. Debbie was big in swimming, and Joe was big in football and basketball. I’m sure Debbie is sitting in the heavens above telling Joe how things have been down here since he left us years ago.



You think maybe Dave O’Gorman is there too, swapping stories from their days in Devils Lake?

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