OnaLee M. Strauer

OnaLee M. Strauer, age 95, of Sherman Township, passed away peacefully at her home on Dec. 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
OnaLee was born on Jan. 23, 1930 in Whittemore to the Late Gerald and Joy (nee Smith) Bellen. She was the oldest of four girls and was raised on the family farm. OnaLee attended Whittemore Prescott Area Schools, where she was on the basketball team and was able to skip a grade to graduate early.
OnaLee married the love of her life, Dale Strauer, on April 2, 1973 and they celebrated 52 years of marriage.
OnaLee and Dale lived in Mt. Morris, where OnaLee was the Mt. Morris Township clerk. Upon her retirement in 2000 they moved back to Tawas City. OnaLee was a proud member of the Flushing Moose, Hale Eagles, Sand Lake Sno Goers, SLYC and the Sand Lake women's auxiliary.
She was crowned Queen at one of the first Sand Lake Festivals and help run the festival for years. She was an avid hunter until her late 80s.
OnaLee is survived by her loving husband, Dale; children, Connie (Chuck) Merservey of Oregon, Gerry (A Haunani) Kindell of Hawaii, Terry "Rip" Kindell of Colorado and Jeff (Samantha) Strauer of Tawas City; step children, Fred (Juli) Strauer of National City and Tari (John) Sanders of National City; 14 grandkids, eight great grandkids and two great-great grandkids; one sister, Carol (Don) Kutcher; one sister-in-law, Elaine Howell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
OnaLee was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Joy Bellen; her sisters, Geraldine "Tim" (Mike) Avrum and Ardith (Bud) Biggs; step-son, Dale Henry Strauer Jr.; and two nephews, Todd Kutcher and Craig Biggs.
OnaLee was a beloved wife, sister, mother and grandmother. She loved nothing more than spending quality time with loved ones and caring for those around her. She was an incredibly optimistic person with an undimmable light that undoubtedly brightened the lives around her, and will be incredibly missed by all that knew her.
OnaLee loved to entertain all friends and family at any time, she was always the "Hostess with the mostest"
Per OnaLee's wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be scheduled for next summer, as Onalee didn't want a funeral, she wanted a celebration.