Roger W. Strassburg, age 87 of Shawano, passed away peacefully with his son by his side, Tuesday morning, August 22, 2023, at Shawano Health Services where he had been a resident for the past four days. Roger was born May 14, 1936, in the Town of Almon, a son of the late Herbert and Alice (Brunner) Strassburg. He attended school at Regina school for eight years, then attended Bowler High School, graduating with the Class of 1954. Following school, Roger enlisted in the Wisconsin National Guard, serving for eight years. During that time Roger farmed with his brother, Elton. In 1959, he went to work for Badger Breeders as an A.I. Technician and was promoted to various supervisory, sales, and training positions. He attended summer camps at Fort McCoy. Roger was called to serve one year of active duty at Ft. Lewis, WA from 1961-1962 where he served as tank commander, Platoon Sgt. E6. In 1961, Roger was married to Myrene Lemke in Shawano. The couple had two sons, Allen, and David. In 1984 Roger built the Rainbow Carwash. The couple owned and operated it until he sold it in 2002. He and Myrene took pride in keeping it clean and the equipment operating well, and Myrene did the record keeping. Roger took an early retirement at the age of 62. He then drove semi for Catencamp for three years and continued to drive semi part-time for Hoffman Transit. In 2010 Roger managed the car wash for Paul Huntington. Roger was a baptized member of Hope Community Church in Shawano and served as an usher. He loved going to breakfast with the crew at Shawano Café, fishing, ice fishing, and deer hunting. Roger and Myrene enjoyed going for rides followed by lunch, having a fire in the fire pit, and cooking supper over an open fire. He also enjoyed cutting firewood on the home farm for his brother’s outdoor furnace and fire pit.
Survivors include his son, Allen (Barb) Strassburg of Tipler; his grandchildren, Peter (Katie) Strassburg of Windsor, WI, Daniel (Emily) Strassburg of Kaukauna, Alexander Strassburg and Danielle Strassburg of Appleton; great-grandchildren, Dakota, Barrett, Colton, and Raelynn Strassburg; his brothers, Elton (Marcella) Strassburg of Bowler, Kenneth Strassburg of Wittenberg, Alvin (Jackie) Strassburg of Wausau, and Dale (Karen) Strassburg of Coon Rapids, MN; his sisters, Carol Fuhrman of Tigerton, and Bonnie (Ron) Schumacher of Shawano; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Myrene, on August 29, 2022; his son, David, who died from brain cancer in 2000; brothers-in-law, Marvin Fuhrman, and Albert Lemke; and sister-in-law, Shirley Strassburg.
A funeral service for Roger will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 11:00 am at Hope Community Church in Shawano. Pastor Todd Bonnin will officiate. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am and continue until the time of service. Military Honors will be conducted by Shawano AmVets Post #10. Burial will take place at St. Paul’s Riverside Cemetery in the Town of Almon.
A memorial fund will be established in Roger’s name.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickesonfs.com.
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