Norma E. Strasser

Norma Elaine Strasser, age 88, of Antigo, died Sunday at Langlade Hospital. She was born July 25, 1923 in the Town of Antigo to the late Gustav and Esther (Heschke) Wolter. She attended Neffswitch and Peace Lutheran School, where she was salutatorian of her class. She graduated from Antigo High School. During her high school years, she was a member of the Evelyn (Jansen) Mattes Accordion Piano Band, often playing live on the radio. She also loved riding horses as a girl. On October 31, 1940 she was united in marriage to Leland Strasser, son of the late John and Grace Strasser, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Polar. He preceded her in death on December 13, 2003. Mrs. Strasser was primarily a homemaker. For around 30 years, the couple lived in Illinois, where Mrs. Strasser worked at Sears and Roebuck and as a long distance operator at Illinois Bell in Cicero. While living in the Chicago area, they were members of Concordia Lutheran Church of Berwyn, Il. The family maintained a cottage and home in Kempster since 1956, and upon Leland's retirement in 1981, they returned to Wisconsin permanently and became members of Peace Lutheran Church. She loved having her children and grandchildren visit. She also enjoyed traveling, fishing, sight-seeing, camping, and shopping. Some of her memorable vacations took her to the east and west coasts, Canada, and Hawaii. After Leland's retirement from the Burlington Northern Railroad, they visited many retired railroad workers throughout the country. She loved her canine companion, Buffy, a miniature Cocker Spaniel. Survivors include 2 daughters, Judy (Larry) Smykal of Appleton, and Bari-Lynn (George) Rezabek of Colorado; a son, Gary (Carol) Strasser of Deerbrook; a sister, Darlene (Ed Jr.) Wurtinger of Antigo; a sister-in-law Betty (Jack) Marciniak of Antigo; 4 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Barbara Janet Strasser; a son, Daniel Strasser; 2 infant brothers; a grandson, Gary Strasser, Jr.; a sister, Doris Wolter; and a brother-in-law Edgar Strasser. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Peace Lutheran Church, with Rev. David Karolus officiating. Visitation will be 10-11a.m.Tuesday at the church. Interment will follow the service at Antigo Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is established in her name for Peace Lutheran School.