Curtis C. Stratman, 81, of rural Kendall passed away Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
He was born May 23, 1935, to Walter W. and Hattie M. (Rolaff) Stratman in the town of Wellington. He was baptized June 23, 1935, and confirmed Aug. 1, 1948, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Kendall High School graduating class of 1953. On June 14, 1958, Curt was united in marriage to Patricia L. Haney; together they farmed on his family farm for more than 36 years in the town of Wellington, retiring in 1994.
He was a lifelong member of St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on South Ridge. Curt had a strong faith and was very active in the church, serving in the past on the church council and on the church cemetery board, as well as volunteering for several church remodeling projects.
Curt was a skilled woodworker; he specialized in making numerous elaborate frames for Pat’s acrylic paintings, along with other picture frames, small furniture pieces and bookcases.
He was a quiet, hardworking man, always willing to lend a helping hand. In his earlier years, he enjoyed bowling and playing the saxophone and the accordion. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and he will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia “Pat” of Kendall; a son, Paul (Corinne) Stratman of Beaver Dam, Wis.; three grandchildren, Renata, John and Katrina Stratman; a brother-in-law, Gerald (Nancy) Haney of Norwalk; and nieces, nephew, other relatives and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral service will be at 12 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 25525 County Hwy. P, Ontario. Pastor Steven W. Neuman will officiate. Burial will be in the South Ridge Lutheran Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Kendall is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com. Memorials may be given to St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in memory of Curtis.
