Jeffrey Strassman

1960 - 2025

Jeffrey Strassman age 65, of Eleva, WI, passed away peacefully on April 16, joining his beloved son, Daniel, who predeceased him in August 2024. In late December, Jeff was diagnosed with a glioblastoma.

He accepted this diagnosis with gratitude for his life.

Born on March 25, 1960, Jeff was the first child of Stephen and Jeanne Strassman. Jeff graduated from North High School in 1978. After a brief stint working on an oil rig in Wyoming, he began a 43-year career at the papermill in Eau Claire, retiring in 2022 as an electrician.?

Jeff married his best friend and soulmate, Katherine (Kitty) Kage and together they raised two sons, Dave and Daniel. They were married 44 years and shared a love for travel, enjoying numerous vacations to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and various destinations across the United States. Their cabin on Island Lake was a cherished retreat where they delighted in fishing, boating, and relaxing around bonfires accompanied by music.?

Jeff loved music of all kinds and was an encyclopedia of knowledge about songs and musical artists. He could always "name that tune." He had an acute sense of humor and even in his last days shared jokes and one-liners to make us laugh.

An avid sports enthusiast, Jeff loved the challenge and thrill of competition and he cherished the friends who shared that with him. He played on many softball teams over the years before hanging up his cleats and switching to golf. He supported the next generation of athletes for 15 years as a high school basketball referee.

Jeff's greatest joy was coaching his own children in baseball, instilling in them a love for the game. Jeff loved watching his grandchildren play and was deeply proud to see his son, Dave, as their coach.

Jeff's warm heart, sense of humor and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Jeff's message to all: "Enjoy life. Things can turn at the drop of a hat. Tomorrows are never promised, or it might not be a tomorrow you recognize. If there is something you want to do in life, get out there and do it. Enjoy it. Find a way to make it happen."

Jeff is survived by his wife, Kitty; son, Dave (Kristine) of Rice Lake, WI; granddaughters, Aryonna and Katelyn; grandson, Caleb; and great grandchildren Gavin, Veyda and Aidyn. Jeff is also survived by his father, Stephen of Eau Claire, WI; and sisters, Pamela Strassman of Durand, WI and Becky Comstock (Kerry) of Chippewa Falls, WI. Jeff will be missed by his sisters- and brothers-in-law, Kristine (Jerry), Patricia, Theresa, John (Gigi), Claudia (Doug), Marjorie and Matthew (Sheila); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Jeff is preceded in death by son, Daniel; his mother, Jeanne; grandparents, Gilbert and Arlene Strassman; grandparents, Oscar and Lois Johnson; sister-in-law, Gretch Easton; and brother-in-law Andy Kage.

A celebration of life will take place on Friday, April 25 from 5-8 p.m. at Hickory Hills Golf Course on Hwy. 93 in Eau Claire.

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services – Celebration of Life Center in Altoona is serving the family. To express condolences online, please visit chippewavalleycremation.com.