Charlotte Strehlow will be celebrating her 110th birthday on July 18 at Bell Tower.
Born in 1908, the supercentenarian has seen two centuries and stays strong with bi-weekly visits from her physical therapist. Charlotte has resided at Bell Tower for eight years now.
She had three sisters and three brothers. She is the only surviving sibling. Her father was a pastor and ministered in Nebraska for more than 19 years. Her parents were very strict because they had to set a good example for the rest of the congregation but Charlotte didn’t mind. They were taught to put their trust in the Lord. Charlotte said she met a lot of people during her life, especially living in a pastor’s family. They were taught a correct way to talk to people and treat people. She fondly remembers her parents walking down the street arm-in-arm in their little hometown visiting members who attended their little country church.
Charlotte said her older sister Edith went to work at the bank right out of high school and worked there her entire life. “She was always good with figures,” Charlotte said. “My brother, Gerhardt, and I liked music better and we started a band in the church. My brother was the director and we both played violin. We had between 15 and 17 members. We were an all German band and performed at church and Mission festivals.”
As for birthdays in her younger years, Charlotte said, “It was always a nice birthday, we didn’t really give presents. Friends would come over and surprise us. We celebrated with God’s blessings.”
Charlotte said she thought she was doing pretty good for her age, and offered this advice: “Pray. And think of your Lord everyday. So, if he decides to take you today, you’re ready. We have a Savior. You have to believe and have faith.”