Obituary of Ila Mae D Strathmann

Ila Mae D. Strathmann, 94, of Colby, passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Colonial Health and Rehabilitation surrounded by her loving family and under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Ila Mae’s life will be held at 11 AM on Friday, October 6, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby with Rev. James Groleau officiating. Following services, she will be laid to rest in Colby Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation at the church on Friday from 9 AM until time of service. The honor of pallbearer belongs to her grandchildren.

Ila Mae was born in the Town of Eau Pleine on March 16, 1929 to William and Esther (Schnabel) Zarnke. She attended Wescott School in rural Eau Pleine. Ila Mae was united in marriage to Edward C. “Butch” Strathmann on June 24, 1948 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in March Rapids. The couple resided in Colby all their married life, building a beautiful home and were active in their church and community.

In her work and in her personal life, Ila Mae was a skilled crafter, cook, and caregiver. She was employed at Badger Basket Company, Scidmore Fur Farm, and various restaurants as a cook and waitress. She also cared for many children and families through her decades of work as a day care provider.

Sewing, knitting, embroidering, and quilting were crafts that Ila Mae had mastered. She loved to bake and made the best pies and cookies. She enjoyed doing puzzles, watching birds, and tending to her garden. She especially loved spending time with her family and friends.

She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Colby, Ladies Aide, Sewing Circle, Altar Guild and VFW Auxiliary.

Ila Mae is survived by her children: Richard (Charlotte) Strathmann, Daniel Strathmann, Beverly Schilling, all of Colby, Sandra (Gary) Lukas of Abbotsford, Linda (James) Martin of Mukwonago, Judy (Anthony) Heil of Wausau, and Sara (Harvey) Hyslop of Eagle River; her grandchildren: Troy (Judy) Strathmann, Leanne (Jeff) Meyer, Jennifer (Stephen) Hadfield, Kyle (Becca) Schilling, Michael (Meaghan) Martin, Matthew (Jacque) Martin, Megan Martin, Heidi (Jason) Freisinger, Katrina (Nate) Booth, Tyler (Kim) Heil, Amanda Jo (John) Lange, and Brianna Hyslop; 24 great-grandchildren with one on the way. She is further survived by her siblings, Verna Birkett of Greenwood and William “Billy” (Peggy) Zarnke of Montevideo, MN, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward “Butch” Strathmann; her daughter, Lisa Jochimsen; brothers, Clarence (Evelyn) and Dennis Zarnke; brothers-in-law, Arnold and Harold (Irene) Strathmann, Wayne Birkett, and sister-in-law, Margaret “Peggy” (Frederick) Zellmer.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Marshfield Medical Center, Colonial Health and Rehabilitation, St. Croix Hospice, Life Tributes Funeral Home and Pastor James Groleau.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ila Mae’s name can be directed to Zion Lutheran Church.

Her arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.