Gerald Stramer

Gerald (?Gerry?) was born on September 27, 1936 in Ashby, Minnesota, to Joseph and Marguerite (Hutchings) Stramer. He attended Erdahl Grade School and graduated from Elbow Lake High School in 1954. Gerry served in the U.S. Army Reserve Corps and was discharged with military honors. He was also a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. On October 13, 1962, he married Karen Buchholz. They began their life and family together in Ashby, and moved to Alexandria in 1969. Gerry owned his own business, Gerry Stramer?s Construction, for over 55 years. He was a avid outdoorsman, who loved to fish, hunt, water ski (trick and barefoot), snowmobile and travel. He was a kind and thoughtful friend, who was willing to lend his time and hands to anyone in need. Gerry was creative and innovative; he could build or fix anything, and was always "tinkering" in his shop. Gerry was most proud of his wife and daughters (his ?girls?), and made family the focus of his life. Nothing in Gerry?s life was ordinary; he made it unique and extraordinary. He made many, many special memories with each of his daughters and grandchildren. Gerry passed away on June 5, 2010, at home surrounded by his ?girls.? Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marguerite, and two brothers, August and Carroll. He is survived by his wife, Karen; daughters: Lisa Stramer of Nashville, TN; Catherine (David) Flahive of Boston, MA; Sherri (Thor) Smerek of Elk River, MN; Jennifer (Bob) Ruffcorn of Alexandria, MN; seven grandchildren: Samantha and Tyler Flahive; Zachary and Nicholas Smerek; and Thomas, Lauren and Brandon Ruffcorn; and three brothers: Vernon, James and Dennis. Prayer service was held on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 4:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Elbow Lake with Father Arlie Sowada officiating. Musical selections were by Bertha Lunzer and Sharon Kosel. Pallbearers were Thor Smerek, David Flahive, Robert Ruffcorn, Thomas Ruffcorn, Michael Stramer, Tom Schmidt, Donald Richied, Bob Olson. Military honors were by American Legion Post #87 and MN National Honor Guard. Burial was at St. Loretto Cemetery in Elbow Lake.