Fred Strenke, age 89, of Luck, WI passed away Saturday, March 10, 2018 at St. Croix Regional Medical Center in St. Croix Falls, WI.
Fred was born in Turtle Lake, WI on March 31, 1928 the son of Herman and Mary Strenke. He attended school at Horse Shoe Lake School and then A P Holst School. He completed the 8th grade. He and his cousin, Butch walked to school the first couple years - about 2 miles one way. It has been said they would skip school for the day and go fishing instead.
Fred lived around the Turtle Lake – Luck – Frederic area his entire life.
In January, 1952 Fred married Mildred Petersen. To this union 9 children were born. She passed away in 1973.
Fred worked various places throughout his life. He drove kids to school in his car. He worked at a pickle factory and a pea factory, but most of his life he was a farmer.
He made a couple trips to Canada with his neighbors, the Harness brothers, where they went fishing. He has traveled to many states over the years. We took him to the Oregon coast. It was such a joy seeing the expression on his face when he saw the ocean for the first time. He was amazed at the tide coming in and out.
On May 3, 1979 Fred married Amelia Schinkel.
Fred loved fishing and hunting – especially deer hunting – even this past year. He had a natural knack for playing accordion throughout his life. He loved to go dancing. He played cards with friends and relatives a lot.
Every doctor appointment in the Cities that he had also included a visit to Kentucky Fried Chicken – buffet dinner. This was his favorite place to eat. He immensely enjoyed that chicken and the company he ate with.
Everyone loved his smile. He would light up a room with it.
Fred leaves to mourn, his children, Ramona Ennis, Sylvia Strenke (Scott), Kathy Briese (Jim), Duane Strenke (Mary), Ardell Strenke (Shelley), Kim Rhoden (Steve), Lois Vrla (Butch); his sister, Dorothy Hatalla; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends.
Fred was preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred; second wife, Amelia; son, Robert; a baby daughter; son-in-law, Bill; his mother and father; many brothers and sisters.
Visitation will be held at the Rowe Funeral Home in Luck on Wednesday, March 14th from 4 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held Thursday, March 15th also at the Rowe Funeral Home - visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00 a.m.
Fred will be laid to rest at Mount Hope Cemetery in Turtle Lake following the service. Pallbearers will be Stephanie Selzler, Jaime Likness, Kevin Strenke, Jeff Strenke, Kasey Vrla and Ryan Strenke. Honorary Pallbearers are Butch Strenke, Jen Strenke, Michelle Harkness and Mathew Amschler.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at
www.rowefh.com . Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, 715-472-2444.
