Gerald W. Strehlow (Gerry), 80, of Wausau, passed away at Marshfield Medical Center on Thursday, February 1, 2018. He was a resident of Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, for over 20 years.
He was born on August 13, 1937 to William and Charlotte (Zaremba) Strehlow in Wausau. Gerry grew up in Wausau and attended local schools. After graduating from Wausau Senior High School, he enlisted in the National Guard, serving during the Berlin Crisis. Gerry was united in marriage to Pauline Peterman on June 4, 1966 in Rhinelander.
Gerry worked for many years as a farmer raising beef cattle. In addition, he ran the sawmill he built where he cut and planed lumber for many neighbors. He also enjoyed the quiet time in the woods making maple syrup. Gerry appreciated being self-employed and independent. Whether it was making repairs or engineering replacement parts for whatever project he was working on, Gerry took pride in being able to complete those projects on his own. He was baptized at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Village of Maine and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church on Stewart Avenue, Wausau. He later became a member of Salem Lutheran Church, Wausau, where he sang bass in the choir. Gerry’s musical abilities also included playing the trumpet and the accordion.
Survivors include his wife, Pauline; mother, Charlotte, 109, who also resides at Bell Tower; children, Geralyn (Tim) Plautz, Dawn (Nick) Schoch, and Daniel Strehlow (Julie Duwe); and grandchildren, Noah Plautz, Rachel Plautz, Drew Schoch, and Becca Schoch.
He was preceded in death by his father, William (Bill).
A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 9, 2018, at Holy Cross Chapel in Bell Tower Residence, 1500 O’Day Street, Merrill, with Rev. Jeffrey Mahnke officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service in the chapel. Burial will follow in the Town of Berlin Cemetery.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
A special thank you to the staff of Bell Tower Residence for the excellent care Gerald received over the many years he was there.