A Moment of Silence…
Terrible news came this week that Ed Stern, a beloved patron of our community, has passed away. At the age of 94, there is some comfort that he lived a long and fruitful life, but his absence remains devastating nonetheless. We mourn this loss, and we empathize with his family. He was a good father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, and a good man. His wife, Jane, loved him very much, as did everyone who knew him. He carried his sense of family with him wherever he went.
He was a prominent figure for our community, and deservedly so. He was heavily involved with all sort of facets of civic engagement. He participated in virtually everything from the Fargo School Board to the United Way, Chamber of Commerce, the FM Symphony and a number of others, including the Stern Foundation. He even received the N.D. Governor’s Award for the Arts and the Fargo Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award.
He served in the Army Air Corps in England as Major with the 385th Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force. Even after service, he remained involved with the WWII bomb group association, and was editor of their newsletter.
He was a good businessman and a philanthropist. As owner and operator of Straus Clothing, he carried on a tradition of success. Since its beginning in 1879, Straus has earned its right to the title of oldest family-owned retail business in the state.
Starting with Adolph Sternberg, the company has passed hands through generations of like-minded men. Ed Stern’s father, Herman Stern, has been called the “Oscar Schindler of Fargo.” He vigorously implored American officials and battled red tape to bring German Jews to the United States, in order to save them from the atrocities of the holocaust. He helped a total of 125 German Jews escape to freedom in the United States.
Like father like son, Herman had also gained recognition as a businessman. Although he faced some hard times during the Depression, he bore through it and Straus Clothing is still standing to this day. He was a member of the Valley City Chamber of Commerce, and in addition to being a founding member of the Greater North Dakota Association, he also served as its president for many years.
Ed Stern furthered the family tradition, and the Stern tradition is a mighty one to live up to. Aside from all his achievements and recognition, however, it was ultimately his attitude that stood out above all else. In times of adversity, you could count on him to bring serenity to an otherwise chaotic scenario. His approachable demeanor spoke volumes, and people were quick to listen to his words. We will remember him for his tenacity, his leadership, his sense of brotherhood, and all the amazing qualities needed to inspire generations.
On a Lighter Note, The Ballots are In
The Best Bets ‘09 ballots are in and the results are pending. This year, rather than print the results and throw a party, we’re doing it the other way around. We want you to yearn with anticipation first. If you want to be “in the know” before the winners are announced in print, come to our Best Bets Party 8pm, May 7 at the Aquarium above Dempsey’s. Be the first to find out who is the best. There will be great food, fantastic music, and even more fantastic people. Sneak a peak at the Valley’s best, and don’t forget to have fun while you’re doing it. We hope to see you there.
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