Barbara K. Strause

Barbara K. Strause, age 81 of Delavan, WI formerly of Darlington, Mineral Point, and Cuba City, WI passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 17, 2023 in Delavan. She was born January 30, 1942 in Darlington the daughter of Roy and Hannah (Winn) Stauffacher. Barb was born and raised in Darlington and graduated from Darlington High School in 1960. After graduating high school she went on to attend the University of Wisconsin – Platteville where she received her degree in Education in 1963. She started teaching at Cuba City Elementary School until 1965 when she started working in Darlington as a Kindergarten teacher at the Paper School until 1968 and later taught 2nd grade at Holy Rosary until 1969. Barb proudly received her master's degree in education in 1969. Barb was united in marriage to Marvin L. Strause on June 27, 1970 at Calvary Memorial Church in Dodgeville, WI. Barb helped run their dairy farm from 1970 to 1985. She also then taught at other schools including Holy Rosary in Darlington and as a special education teacher at Benton elementary school until her retirement in 2008.
Barb is survived by her children: Tom (Keri) Strause of Delavan and Connie (Doug) Omernik of Waukesha; one step-son: Dan (Peg) Strause of Rio, WI; her grandchildren: Danny and Mary Strause, Elizabeth, Michael, Jacob, and Matthew Strause; and Phoebe and Gwendolyn Omernik; one great-granddaughter: Estella; one brother: Richard (Gwen) Stauffacher of Benton, WI; and one sister: Sandra (David) Johnson of Dodgeville; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Marvin; and one son: Brian in infancy.
Barb was a member of the Benton Bible Church and Delavan Christian Reform Church. She was also a member of Willow Springs 4-H Club when she was younger. Her faith was incredibly important to her and she instilled those beliefs in her family. She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren creating memories they will all remember forever. Barb loved music, singing in church, reading and doing puzzles when she was not busy running her grandchildren to activities. She never missed a sporting event or livestock show if she could help it.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Main St., Darlington) with Rev. Bill Vasey of Benton Bible Church officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery in Mineral Point, WI. A visitation will be held Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 9:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Barb's name.