James Robert Strelow

age 71, of Appleton, WI, died Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Jim was born in Milwaukee on March 13, 1953 to Edward and Mildred Strelow. Jim graduated early from Custer High School, in January 1971, where he played football and baseball. He went to work with Western Electric at the age of 17. In 2013, after 42 years, Jim retired from AT&T. In retirement, Jim embraced his new role as Papa and pancake chef. He enjoyed his time visiting with his grandchildren and putting out an unmatched home cooked family breakfast.
On April 13, 1974, Jim married Lynn Ellen Lacey. They were blessed with 50 years together and three children: Matt, Jamie and Mike. Jim treasured so many lifelong friendships and a special bond with his brother John. His crew had their fair share of shenanigans, hunting trips, and fishing outings. He loved the outdoors and his dogs: Jake, Sadie, Harley and Tanner. Jim referred to his favorite hunting hole in Iola as God's Country. We expect he's spending his heavenly time hunting deer, pheasants or rabbits, and sharing table scraps with his dogs who he called his honey boys. Jim was always an active part in his children's schooling, scouting and sporting experiences. He was a Boy Scout who became a Scout leader, and an athlete that became a coach. We will always remember him as a father who was always there for us!
Jim and Lynn moved to Appleton in 1990 where he enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson around the Fox Valley. Jim never missed an event involving his kids and together the couple traveled the Midwest following them. Eventually they found a retirement hideout in South Pasadena, Florida, where they made many new friends. They enjoyed 10 years of being snowbirds and spent their days visiting the parks, beaches, and local restaurants together. When circumstances slowed down "Jimmer" took to social media to follow his grandchildren, kept journals to capture his favorite memories and looked forward to playing board games when they were together. If times were tough for them Papa always had a funny face or time for a phone call to brighten their day.
Jim is survived by his wife Lynn E. Strelow, Appleton; son Matthew E. (Samantha) Strelow, Kenosha; daughter Jamie L. (Tony) Macareo, Oshkosh; son Michael J. (Brittany) Strelow, Rochester, MN; grandchildren: Sydney, Riley, Aubrey, Madilynn, Skylar, Morgan, Laken and Declan; brother John E. Strelow, Oshkosh; mother-in-law, Betty Lacey, Greenville; in-law siblings: Mike and Patricia Lacey, Dave and Mary Lacey, Judy Lacey, John and Jule Lacey, & Gregory and Kimberly Lacey.
He was preceded in death by his parents Edward G. and Mildred D. (Gruenwald) Strelow; grandparents: Albert and Anna (Will) Strelow, Hugo and Alma (Schneider) Gruenwald; uncles Arnold, Walter, Roland, Gilbert and Raymond Strelow; father-in-law Raymond Lacey.
Lynn would like to thank Jim's lifelong friends, family members, and new friends that enriched their lives offering kindness and support.
A Memorial Service for Jim is planned for Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11AM with a short service at noon at Brettscheider-Trenton-Nickel Funeral Chapel & Cremation: 606 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI. A private internment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in the spring. Jim was a 24 year cancer survivor and a firm supporter of law enforcement.
In lieu of flowers Lynn requests donations in memory of Jim Strelow to either of these charities: American Cancer Society Concerns of Police Survivors