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David Strate Obituary
loving husband, devoted father and generous friend, went home to be with his Savior on May 4, 2014. Dave was born to Earnest & Lucia on June 1, 1954 and grew up working the family farm in Hoskins, Nebraska. He graduated from Norfolk High School and went on to attend Prairie Bible Institute in Alberta, Canada. After earning his B.A. in Religious Studies from St. Paul's Bethel University, Dave worked in the tow-trucking business and as a school-bus-driver, built silos, and drove trucks cross-country. On April 21, 1981, Dave was in a motorcycle accident that changed the course of his life - leading him to Laurie Ekstrom, who would eventually become his bride. Dave and Laurie were married on October 12, 1985 and the following year they followed her family to Arizona. Dave worked various jobs before finding his calling while working for the D.O.V.E. program for domestic violence offenders. With a newfound purpose, Dave enrolled in counseling courses at the University of Phoenix, earning his Master's in Counseling in 1995. He went to work for Maricopa County Adult Probation where he has invested his life into others for the past 24 years. Other than spending time with his precious family and with his church, Dave's greatest joys were working on the family farm and playing Santa at community events. Standing at 6' 3' and sporting a full, white beard and booming bass voice, Dave embodied the iconic Father Christmas. Dave is survived by Laurie, his wife of 28 years, their 2 daughters Joanna (Matthew) Bowes and Carolyn, son Samuel, brothers Gordon (Penny) and Richard (Lori), sister-in-law Lauri, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Mark. A service celebrating Dave's life will be held Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 1:00 at Bethany Bible Church. The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to Christian Family Care or Teen Challenge.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Strate
Alicia Renkema
May 19, 2014
Rick and I are so saddened to hear of you and your family's great loss... Laurie, I am glad you and Dave had the time that you had together even though it was far too short. I love you so much and will be praying for you and your family daily. Psalms 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints (godly ones)."
July 31st,2010
Dean Holmboe Jr
May 19, 2014
I will miss him! My Godfather, though I haven't seen in person since my wedding, will never be forgotten. From trips with him to the Farm, teaching me how to drive a tractor, or chatting with me and family over Godfathers Pizza. He was one of a kind. May he live in our hearts forever.
Jason Naumann
May 15, 2014
Dave goes back to some of my earliest memories when I lived in Minneapolis. I was just a kid when I knew him. To me and my sisters he was like a modern day Samson. I remember that he rode a motorcycle and I thought that was one of the coolest things ever. We felt he was indestructible. Its been over 30 years since I have seen him and still his smile and gentle spirit remain engraved in my mind and memories. I am so sad for your loss, and excited for the life he led.
Patsy Bacon
May 11, 2014
Joanna and family,
We are saddened for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May the love of Jesus Christ continue to lead you through this difficult time. Sincerely Johnny and Patsy Bacon
Vancouver, BC 1998
Erin Cacciatore
May 10, 2014
Sharon (Strate) Fiddes
May 10, 2014
It has been a long time since growing up on the family farms outside Hoskins. Years have passed since grade school, walking home, and growing up a mile apart. David was a cousin I will always remember as a kind, thoughtful, and hard working cousin. You will certainly be greatly missed. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to your entire family. Your long forgotten cousin and family. Sharon & Dave and daughters Carlee, Kelsey, and Kacee Fiddes
May 9, 2014
May 9, 2014
May 9, 2014
Laurie & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace in your hearts as you go on this difficult journey.
Love,
Randy & Peggy Schmid
Jackie Chagolla
May 9, 2014
Dave was an unsung hero. He was a role model whose generous acts of compassion, strength, selflessness, perseverance and sacrifice made a profound and positive difference in each life he encountered. My fondest memory was of Dave and his wife, Laurie clad in Mr. and Mrs. Claus outfits at the Ronald McDonald House.
May God hold Dave's family in the palm of his hand. To his family I wish to extend my deepest sympathies.
Bob Amavisca
May 8, 2014
Dave was a gentle man of true integrity, compassion and honor. To his family, I wish to extend my thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences for your loss.I hope you can take comfort in knowing how blessed we were to have him in our lives.
May 8, 2014
I worked with David over 20 years ago when I was a counselor and he was the P.O. for clients. I knew him as a strong, fair man of faith to all his clients. Then later got to know him as a family man when my husband Russ began to work for his mother in law Kay Ekstrom at Christian Family Care. Small world, his son Sam was born within days of our daughter Miranda. Heaven got a good one this time. Praying for his family Kathy Yost
Erin Cacciatore
May 8, 2014
Dave was a friend, a mentor, a supervisor, a peer. He was the epitome of grace, kindness, laughter, caring, compassion, family, embracing life and rolling with the challenges that life brought. His love and dedication to his wife Laurie, their three beautiful children. He is simply gone to soon. My brain knows this but my heart refuses to believe that Dave is no longer an angel on Earth but an angel up above. Love and prayers to his family and friends who are forever touched by this gentle giant.
Brian Suggs
May 8, 2014
Dave always had a special place in my heart - he was the real deal. Praying for his family and friends.
May 8, 2014
Our prayers are with your whole family at this time. There are no words to express except that we love you all and are sending you hugs. I can still remember Dave praying for choir or in Sunday school class.
Love, Steve & Nancy Stevens
David & Jinny Ludwig
May 8, 2014
Despite the enormous void we feel in our hearts, the breath we seem not able to catch in our despair, we are truly thankful for having had our lives blessed with Dave's friendship. Laurie, Joanna, Carrie, Sam...we love you so much. May you find comfort among all who are bereaved. May Dave's soul be bound up in the bonds of Eternal life.
Shaunna Hiner
May 8, 2014
Dear precious Laurie, my heart is grieving with you over the loss of your sweet husband. There's no other person on earth who showed Jesus the way Dave did. I have such fond memories of your family and will carry those in my heart for many years to come. May the Lord sustain you with His grace and bring a song to your heart in the midnight hours. All our love to you and your family...
Angel and Mason
May 8, 2014
our thoughts and prayers are with you guys!! Dave was a great man!!
May 8, 2014
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