Funeral services celebrating the life of John Strei, age 89, of Lester Prairie were held Friday, December 19, 2008 at 1:30 PM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie. Officiating was Rev. Eric Nelson. The organist was Marsha Christenson and the congregational hymns included “Hark, The Voice of Jesus Cry”, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” and “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”. Serving as casket bearers were Nick Strei, Tom Strei, David Strei, Carl Behning, Jeff Fisch and Dan Smith. Honorary casket bearers were Kim Behning, Kris Fisch, Katie Smith, Heather Norwood, Melissa Antonson and Megan Antonson. Interment was in the church cemetery. Visitation was held prior to the services at church.
John Paul Strei was born February 26, 1919 in Winsted Township, Minnesota the son of Robert and Agnes (Schumacker) Strei. He was baptized on March 16, 1919 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hollywood by Rev. W.L. Ernst and was later confirmed into the faith on April 9, 1933 also at St. John’s by Rev. Ernst. John attended St. John’s Lutheran School in Hollywood Township. On September 9, 1946, John was united in marriage with Aurelia Lampher at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie by Rev. Reitz. The couple made their home in Lester Prairie and were blessed with 4 children. John worked for over 30 years with the Minnesota Breeders Association and also worked part time for Lester’s Inc. for several years. He was a lifelong resident of Lester Prairie and a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. John enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and baseball. After his retirement, John especially enjoyed making maple syrup at the Sugar Shack in Lester Prairie, volunteering to help others and spending time with his family. On Tuesday, December 16, 2008, John entered his eternal rest at St. Mary’s Care Center in Winsted at the age of 89 years, 9 months and 20 days. He is preceded in death by his parents; son Gordon Strei; siblings Hilda Westermann, Walter Strei, Erna Ristow, Roland Strei, Alvin Strei and Dorothy Dangers.
John is survived by his wife Aurelia of Lester Prairie; children Gary Strei (wife: Linda) of Wayzata, Susan Thiel (husband: Jim) of Bloomington and Shirley Antonson (husband: Skip) of Lester Prairie; grandchildren Nick Strei (wife: Jamie), Tom Strei (wife: Kayla), David Strei, Kim Behning, Kris Fisch, Katie Smith, Heather Norwood (husband: John), Melissa Antonson and Megan Antonson; 5 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Evelyn Strei and Dorothy Strei; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Arrangements were with the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel in Lester Prairie. For an online guest book, please visit www.mcbridefuneralchapels.com
