Obituary of Edward C. Strathmann

Edward C. “Butch” Strathmann,

Age 98, passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at his residence, surrounded by his family and under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice.

His funeral service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. Rev. Mark Neumann will officiate. Following the service military honors for Butch will be presented by Huber, Schmitt, Brusewitz, Decker VFW Post #2227 of Colby. His visitation will be held on Saturday from 9AM until the time of service at the church in Colby. The honor of pallbearers belongs to Troy Strathmann, Kyle Schilling, Michael Martin, Matthew Martin, Tyler Heil and Jeff Meyer.

Edward was born in Colby on March 20, 1919 to Herman and Anna (Lindner) Strathmann. He attended Zion Lutheran School and graduated from Colby High School. After graduation he proudly served his country in the United States Army infantry, during World War II from 1942 until 1945. Edward was united in marriage to Ila Mae Zarnke on June 24, 1948 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in March Rapids. Butch began working as a painter with his father and brothers in 1945. In 1957, Strathmann Bros. Painting was formed and Butch continued painting until his retirement in 1994.

He was an usher for Zion Lutheran Church and served as an Elder on the church board and church properties. In 2012, Edward was honored to attend the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. His hobbies included gardening, polka dancing, riding bike, reading and playing sheepshead with family and friends. Most of all he loved spending time with his family.

Edward is survived by his wife Ila Mae Strathmann of Colby; his children: Richard (Charlotte) Strathmann of Colby, Daniel Strathmann of Colby, Beverly Schilling of Colby, Sandra (Gary) Lukas of Abbotsford, Linda (James) Martin of Mukwonago, Judy (Anthony) Heil of Wausau and Sara (Harvey) Hyslop of Eagle River. He is further survived by his 12 grandchildren: Troy (Judy) Strathmann, Leanne (Jeff) Meyer, Jennifer (Stephen) Hadfield, Kyle (fiancé Becca Miller) Schilling, Michael (fiancé Meaghan Huston) Martin, Matthew (Jacque) Martin, Megan Martin, Heidi (Jason) Freisinger, Katrina (Nate) Booth, Tyler (fiancé Kim Hellquist) Heil, Amanda Jo (John) Lange and Brianna Hyslop and 14 great-grandchildren, along with many other nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Lisa Marie Jochimsen, two brothers: Arnold and Harold Strathmann and a sister  Margaret “Peggy” Zellmer.

In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting memorials in Butch’s name for charities to be determined later.

The family extends a special thank you to Ministry Home Care for their assistance, especially for the kindness shown to Edward and his family by, Kelly, RN, Trisha, CNA and Mariah, CNA.

His arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer.  Visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences.