Martin Strakusek, 92, of Kenosha, passed away on Thursday, October 13, 2011, at Aurora Medical Center. Born in Granite City, IL, he was the son of the late Samuel and Katherine (Duban) Strakusek. He was educated in the schools of Granite City and Chicago and moved to Kenosha from Riverwoods, IL in 1999. He served in the National Guard for three years before enlisting in the U.S. Army on July 7, 1941. He served during World War II in Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was in the Army marching band and received the Glider Badge. He was honorably discharged on December 22, 1945. On May 31, 1947, he married Martha Wingenfeld. He worked as a watch maker and owned and operated his own jewelry store, Deerfield Jewelers, for 15 years. He was a former member of Grace Lutheran Church in Northbrook, IL, and was a current member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Pleasant Prairie, WI. He was also a former member of the Wheeling Wheelmen Bicycling Club, the Deerfield Community Band and the Waukegan Municipal Band. Martin enjoyed biking, playing tuba, classical guitar, and gardening. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Martha; five children, Ingrid Strakusek, Harold Strakusek, Margaret (Tom) Luby, Robert (Eleanore) Strakusek, and Susan (Michael) Dunkleman; a brother, Daniel (Joan) Strakusek; a sister, Anna Lutter; 13 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Karin Strakusek; four brothers, Sam, John, Joe and Michael; and a sister, Rosemary. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 18th, at Proko Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. followed by full military honors. Interment will be held on Tuesday at Ridgewood Memorial Park in Des Plaines, IL, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be held on Monday at Proko Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the JDRF would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Martin’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Dan and Liz Spannraft
October 20, 2011
Our prayers are with Ingrid and her family at this time.
Sergio and Clara Garza
October 18, 2011
Our Dearest Friend Ingrid: We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Parents, we have knowing them for many years and we are glad that we got to spend a little time with them in April, they were so proud of their Fruit Trees. we will miss them very much, Our Prayers are with you and all of your Family.
Chuck and Judie Altman
October 18, 2011
We have lost a great neighbor and good friend in Martin. Such a good spirit and couldn't wait to see him riding that 3 wheel bike...Ride on dear friend.....
Ann Bowman
October 18, 2011
Bob & Nonie ~ I am so sorry to hear about your loses. You and your family are all in my thoughts and prayers. Feel God's loving embrace. Ann
Rob Festenstein
October 17, 2011
Dear Sue and Mike: Rachel and the boys join me in sending our condolences on the loss of your beloved father. I have very fond memories of him at family gatherings and know that he will be missed by all. May God comfort you during this difficult time and may your Dad's memory always and forever be for a blessing. We have you in our thoughts and prayers.Cousins Rachel, Rob, Noah, and Aaron Festenstein
Cheryl Church
October 17, 2011
Bob, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Cheryl