Brian T. Strelow

Brian Todd Strelow, age 66, passed away at his home on Sunday January 26, 2025. He was born on November 27, 1958, in Appleton, WI, the son of Wayne and Joan (Scheibe) Strelow. He graduated from Fox Valley Lutheran in 1977, and on April 8, 1978, married his high school sweetheart Jody Rockteschel at St Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church where he was a member for over 50 years. Brian and Jody were blessed with 3 wonderful sons. He worked at Thilmany, did concrete construction and then owned and operated Complete Radiator Service which was his passion. He loved to solve people’s radiator problems. He so loved talking with all of his customers, and if he talked too long, would just work longer to make up for all of his talking. He enjoyed “dirt track racing” and all the great people he met and sponsored. Being with family and friends was his most favorite past time.

Brian will be sadly missed by his wife Jody; his sons Jason (Amy) Strelow, Justin (Lisa Clayton) Strelow and Ted Strelow; 6 grandchildren: Hugo, Charlie, Harper, Claire, Carlie and Henry. He is further survived by his parents: Wayne and Joan Strelow; brothers: Mike (Sue), Bill (Jan) and Jim (Kathy); brother-in-law Terry (Marsha) Rockteschel; sister-in-law Pam Ponto; and mother-in law Aldora Rockteschel as well as nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law Marvin Rockteschel; and his grandparents Hugo and Eda Strelow and Chester and Elvira Scheibe; brother-in-law Les Ponto and his niece Samantha Ponto.

A special thanks for the Dr’s and staff at Ascension Cancer Center, especially Ashley. In addition, the great nursing staff on the 4th floor that Brian got to know so well along his journey and the SPA girls (aka “the girlfriends”) that kept him filled up with blood and platelets. Please donate blood and platelets-Brian said, “I never realized how important this is until you need them.”

A visitation for Brian will take place on Friday February 7, 2025, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N Superior Street, Appleton. On Saturday February 8, 2025, friends and family may gather at St Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church, 129 S Mason Street, Appleton from 9:00am until his funeral service beings at 11:00am. Brian will be laid to rest at Community Lutheran Cemetery in Freedom.

Remember: “You never have a bad day at work when you work with your family.”

                                                                                                                            -Brian