Leroy Strek

Leroy C. Strek, 86, of Wausau was reunited in death with his loving wife, Ione on Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Mount View Care Center. He was born to Gilbert and Florence (Putteen) Strek on November 14, 1926, in their family home in Wausau. He graduated from Wausau Senior High School in 1944. On May 19, 1945 he married Ione Tress in the parsonage of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Wausau.
His family was most important and he especially made sure he had time for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was looked up to as a protector of his family, which was a product of his challenging upbringing. Losing his father at a very young age resulted in Leroy growing up quicker than most. Providing for his siblings and mother the best he could as a very young boy. He did whatever he had to do in order to get through every day.
Leroy had a great love of the outdoors and nature. He liked to hunt and fish, teaching his children and grandchildren the beauty of nature. He loved the time spent with family at the cottage in Phillips or at the hunting cabin in Port Wing. They had many great times with friends, Bob and Holly Carlson and Walter and Alice Panko. Family and friends always remember the great stories that Leroy would share of his childhood and his great hunting and fishing adventures.
He worked at Wausau Papers in Brokaw from 1950-1987, retiring as a finishing room supervisor. He was an early member of the Texas Lions Club.
Leroy is survived by his children, Sharon Hieb of Wausau and Charles (Donna) Strek of Mosinee: grandchildren, Tammy (Mark) Ricklefs, Barry Hieb, Scott (Tanya) Strek, and Troy (Laura) Strek; great-grandchildren, Hunter and Brandon Ricklefs, and Jackson and Lily Strek; brother, Jack Strek; and sister, Janice (Jon) Bailey; and nieces and nephews;
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ione; his parents; brother, Ronald Strek; and son-in-law, John Hieb.
A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 930 Edgewood Road, Wausau, with Rev. Nancy Johnson Russell officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, and again at the church on Wednesday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, town of Texas.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
The family would especially like to thank the compassionate staff that cared for Leroy at Mount View Care Center.