Erwin Victor "Butch" Strenke, 88, of Turtle Lake died Sunday, January 6, 2019 at his home. He was born July 25, 1930 in Town of Beaver, WI to Ernest and Pauline (Geiss) Strenke. He was married in St. Paul, MN on February 11, 1953 to Helen Alfstad. They bought the Hammer home which he helped construct as a child and he helped his father operate the sawmill, worked on area farms and in the construction business. Butch and Helen farmed for many years until the 1980's when they sold the cows and began operating a full time sawmill, which is operating to this day. His greatest passion outside of work was hunting.

He is survived by his daughters: Sharon Jeska of Amery and Cindy (Bob) Benson of Turtle Lake; 8 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; his sister, Grace Odberg of Cushing; nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; daughter, Shirley; sons, Robert and Bruce; grandson, Jeremy; siblings: Arnold, Arty, Esther Gehrman, Carole Elfers, Della Greene and Laura Soltau. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, January 11, 2019 at Skinner Funeral Home - Turtle Lake with Pastor Jason Buck officiating. Burial will be in Mt Hope Cemetery, Turtle Lake, WI. Pallbearers are Brian Benson, Austin Benson, Kenneth "Bucky" Jeska, Art Strenke, Chuck Ofelt and Matthew Clark.. Honorary pallbearers are Chase Schmitt, Wyatt Benson, Christopher Brekke, Allen Brekke, Sheldon Stedman and Donovan Benson. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 on Thursday and for 1 hour prior to the service.

Last Update: Jan 09, 2019 7:22 am CST