Mary E. Strehlau, age 92 of Elk Mound, passed away on Monday October 26, 2020 at the home of her daughter Carla, in Eau Claire, surrounded by family.

Mary was born August 24, 1928 in the Township of Menomonie to Daniel and Mayme (Brehm) Knopps.  Mary grew up in the Irvington area on the farm and graduated from Menomonie High School in 1946.  Mary married Arnold B. Strehlau June 3, 1948 in Stillwater, MN. Together, Mary and Arnold farmed and raised their family in the Elk Mound area.  Besides farming and raising her family, Mary was employed by Parker Pen, Lange Canning Co. and at Dunn Energy Cooperative, retiring at the age of 82.

Mary was a member of the Dunn Co. Homemakers, St. Joseph Catholic Church and was active with the Parish Council of Catholic Women (P.C.C.W).  Mary’s faith was an important part of her life. She also participated with her children’s 4H projects and activities.   She enjoyed collecting antiques, neighborhood card club, and monthly birthday club.  Mary cherished holiday meals with her family.

Mary is survived by six children; Dean (Kathie) of Mahtomedi, MN, Daniel (Doris) of Elk Mound, Margaret (Roger) Hughes of Somerset, Arnold A. Strehlau of Elk Mound, Sally (John) Thompson of Menomonie and Carla (Joseph) Sumner of Eau Claire, son-in-law, Larry Putman of Elk Mound; 16 grandchildren; Lucas, Corinna, Jeremy, Jared, Catherine, Dan Jr., Tamara, Randy, Paul, Nikki, Lauri, Paul, Brittany, David, Justin and Tyler, 31 great grandchildren; a sister, Luella (Eugene) Krumrie; a brother, Ronald (Leone) Knopps,  two brothers-in-law, Gordon (Sharon) Strehlau and Stanley Huftel;  a sister-in-law, Bernadine Strehlau, several nieces, nephews, and relatives. The family wants to recognize Mary’s special friends that she cherished throughout her life.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 65 years, Arnold (2013), a daughter Nancy Putman (2019), a brother Jerome Knopps, a sister, Genevieve Huftel, a brother-in-law, Ervin Strehlau; sisters-in-law, Virginia (Patrick) Philen and Phyllis (LaVern) Steinke;  a niece, Connie Strehlau and two nephews, Patrick Philen Jr. and Jeffrey Knopps.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday October 31, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie with Rev. John Mano officiating.  Facial masks and social distancing will be required. Burial will be in the church Cemetery. ***Mary's funeral will be live streamed on our Facebook page Saturday Morning at 11:00AM.***

Visitation will be held from 9:30AM Saturday October 31, 2020 until the time of the services at the church.

Condolences

1. Springer Carol November 20, 2020, at 10:04am

   My condolences to all of you. (I graduated with Dean ‘67. Carol Govin

2. John Tuohy November 1, 2020, at 10:58am

   To Carla and the Stehlau family. I am sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories you have of Mary and take comfort in knowing that you were there for her.

3. Steven Skjegstad October 31, 2020, at 1:06pm

   To the entire Strehlau family Gigi and I send our most heart felt condolences. May Mary rest in peace.

4. Derrick LaPoint & Family October 30, 2020, at 5:29pm

   We are so sorry for your loss. May you cherish all the wonderful memories you had together. Sending you love during this time.

5. Pat Harvey October 30, 2020, at 1:37pm

   Dan,
   So sorry for you and your families great loss. Hugs and prayers,

6. Cheryl Squires Ullom October 30, 2020, at 8:24am

   To the whole Strehlau family, Sorry for your loss, she was the mother of my best friend, Nancy. She was a great lady, and I loved visiting with her. I am sure your hearts will miss her dearly, but know she believed in Jesus, and she is dancing in Heaven now, with Nancy and Arnold, and all who have gone before. Waiting for the day, to all be together again.

7. Agnes Stipetich October 29, 2020, at 10:54am

   Sorry to hear of the loss of Mary. I always enjoyed visiting with her and family members at The Neighbors.

8. Dara Martinovich October 28, 2020, at 3:35pm

   I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, Carla. She sounds like an amazing woman—just like her daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

9. Jeanne Tillison October 28, 2020, at 3:02pm

   Memories are gifts out hearts recieve to bring comfort as we grieve.I have so many wonderful memories of Aunt Mary and will be forever grateful I was able to celebrate her 90th birthday with you all. She was a special lady.
   May the Lord comfort you at this time .

10. Lois Sipple October 28, 2020, at 1:40pm

    Love and prayers to all Mary's family. I got to see many of you at the old Dunn County Health Care when I'd go visit my husband and would always see Nancy. May you find peace in all your beautiful memories. I am sending a donation to Stepping Stones of Dunn County in Mary's memory. Lois Sipple

11. Tom Huftel October 28, 2020, at 12:18pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. I too remember all the times we went to Aunt Mary's and Uncle Arnie's for some form of get together. I especially remember all the kindness and love from the farm when they took us in during the times our mom was not able to celebrate a birthday or holiday due to health reasons. What I remember from visiting the farm was the incredible food, the really cool games of hide and seek around the farm, and the rabbits. Lots of fun for sure, especially when all the cousins were there. These times are difficult, but it also allows you to think back on the wonderful memories that can never be taken from you. God bless all of you.

12. Barb (Joe) Honsa October 28, 2020, at 10:15am

    Carla, Joe and family;
    We are so happy that you were able to take your mom home and spend her last days together.
    You fulfilled her wish and you will forever hold that in your heart. From all of your stories, your mom sounded like a wonderful person and had fulfilled life to its fullest and also- to the very end!
    She is now in the hands of God and will be looking down peacefully and thankfully for you bringing her home (a special package you will always remember and cherish!) ????
    God bless you and your family at this time.

    May all the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace, Amen.

13. Marilyn (Brehm) Fedderly October 28, 2020, at 7:52am

    So sorry for the loss of your Mother! May she enjoy her heavenly home with your Dad.

14. Suzanne Knopps October 28, 2020, at 7:02am

    Aunt Mary was my favorite aunt. I'm glad I was able to tell her that the last time I saw her. I remember my summers as a kid when we would be on vacation and I was able to spend time on the farm there. I so enjoyed that time. She was kind and compassionate and she was an awesome cook! I really looked forward to the family meals too when I was there. She was just a wonderful person. I will miss her so. My thoughts are with you all.
    Her Lord and Savior will take it from here. I hope that brings you comfort. God bless.

15. Anne Philen October 27, 2020, at 2:06pm

    When I think of Aunt Mary, I picture her beautiful blue eyes, our visits to the farm, and the delicious meals she prepared. My condolences to the family. I’ll be thinking if you all on Saturday.

16. Kim Turner (Trask) October 27, 2020, at 1:42pm

    My deepest sympathy to Sally~our moms were in the hospital together at the same time when we were born~needless to say we have been friends forever all these years...my heart is with you and your family at this difficult time! I will always remember her kind heart.

17. Maureen Philen October 27, 2020, at 12:55pm

    Aunt Mary will always have a special place in my heart; such a wonderful lady.

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