Casimir Michael Stralkowski

Casimir M. Stralkowski 97, Wausau, died Monday, March 17, 2008 at Cedar Creek Manor under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. He was born March 14, 1911 in Poland, son of the late Albert and Rose (Skorupa) Stralkowski. On November 27, 1933 he married Tillie Gatske in Knowlton. She survives. Casimir was highly regarded at Marathon Electric where he worked as chief draftsman retiring in 1976. Coming from Poland at the age of four through Ellis Island, he spent his childhood as a Peplin Pioneer with other immigrants settling the land. During his youth he had his own polka band and played in several other bands throughout the years. He enjoyed traveling, camping, boating and spending the winter months in Texas. Every year he looked forward to his family reunion celebrated at Penninsula Park. Casimir had a zest for life and lived life to the fullest. He was a very caring person who put his family first and always tried to do the right thing. He was considerate of others, understanding and had an attitude of gratitude and appreciation towards everything. Casimir left the family a strong legacy, first in Christian faith and second, owning pride and responsibility in being an American. He did not linger on hardships, rather his motto was "it's a wonderful life and it's a wonderful world". He was the best dad ever and will be greatly missed by his children, his grandchildren who thought the world of him and all his family and friends. We know he is happy and enjoying Heaven. Survivors include his wife, Tillie, Cedar Creek Manor; four children, Joan (George) Ostroski, Rothschild and their children, Jeffrey (Sharon) Ostroski, DePere, Karen Lonsdorf, Monona, Julie (Max) Dassler, Shawano, Gregory Ostroski, Saline, Mich. and Mary (Mark) Moreno, Brandon, Flor.; Gerry (Vern) Koppa, Muskego and their children, Thomas (Lue Ann) Koppa, New Berlin, Patrick (Laura) Koppa, Glendale, Michael (Vicki) Koppa, Viroqua, Kathy (Scott) Hayek, Oak Creek and Kenneth (Heather) Koppa, Milwaukee; C. Michael (Karen) Stralkowski, West Chester, Penn. and their children, Stephanie (Dan) Butler, West Chester, Penn., Marek (Jenn) Stralkowski, Kennett Square, Penn. And Kirsten (Jon Kratz) Stralkowski, Skippack, Penn.; Peggy (Paul) Kent, Madison and their children, Chris Kent, Madison and Michael Kent, Tucson, Ariz.; 29 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren; two sisters, Tillie Hamler, Fond du Lac and Bette (Art) Cholewinski, Springfield, Oreg.; one sister-in-law, Natalie Davidowski, Wausau; one brother-in-law, Neal Atwood, Oshkosh, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Margie, brother, Karol Stralkowski and sisters, Irene Jankowski and Mary Jarotkiewicz. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at Noon Monday, March 24, 2008 at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau. Rev. Daniel Hackel will preside. Entombment will be in Garden of Eternal Rest, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call Monday from 11 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 6th Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. The family would like to thank Kathy and Linda and the staff at Cedar Creek Manor for the wonderful care they gave him over the past two years. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com