Joel Strei

Joel Thomas Strei, 63, of the town of Stettin, passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at home.

He was born on September 2, 1954, in Wausau, to the late Leo and Hertha (Krenz) Strei.  Joel grew up on the family farm while attending school in the town of Berlin and graduating from Wausau West High School.  He remained on the farm his entire life.  He will be remembered for always being there to help.  He was always willing to pitch in and help family, neighbors, friends, and even animals in need.

Joel worked for 3M, Van Der Geest Dairy, and most recently at Eastbay.  In addition to his time at work, Joel enjoyed butchering, processing, and smoking meat for his family and neighbors.  Over the years he produced sausage and cuts of venison, beef, elk, and buffalo.

Survivors include his brothers, Gerald (Mary) Strei of Wausau, Jerome (Pamela) Strei of Rothschild, and Leon (Louann) Strei of Wausau; sister, Anne (Strei) Zinsmeister; special nieces, Amanda (Michael) Balz and Jessica (Thomas) Aschbrenner; many nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews, and one due in July; and many wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Hertha; brother, Charles; sisters, Helen and Iris; and brother-in-law, Orville Thurs.

A prayer service will be at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 18, 2018, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau.  Visitation at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home until the time of service.  Private family burial in Friedenshain Cemetery, town of Berlin, in the spring.

You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.