Walter Strey

Walter Strey, age 91, of Olivia, died on April 23rd, 2020 at the Buffalo Lake Healthcare Center. A private family service will be held. Interment will be at St. Matthew’s Cemetery north of Danube. Arrangements by Dirks-Blem Funeral Service of Olivia.

Walter Ardell Strey was born on March 7, 1929 to August A. and Hannah E. (Seehusen) Strey on the family farm in rural Lake Lillian. Walter was baptized and confirmed at Lake Lillian Church. He attended country school. Walter was in the Army from 1948-1952 and was stationed in Germany during that time. On November 11, 1953, Walter was united in marriage to Ruth Odell at the Methodist church parsonage in Olivia. They were blessed with four children and completed their family with the addition of their nephew and niece. Walter worked for the maintenance department of Renville County for many years. He was a member of the Bird Island American Legion Post 430 and Zion Lutheran Church in Olivia. In his retirement, Walter and Ruth spent 16 winters in LaFeria, TX. He enjoyed family camping, fishing, and hog farming. Walter had a passion for working on antique cars and tractors in his shed. Walter will be remembered for his smirk, determination, and immeasurable love for his family.

Walter is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann (Odell) Strey; children: Donna Strey of Olivia, Steve (and Mary) Strey of Bird Island, Margie (and George) Polingo of Litchfield, Dale (and Becky) Strey of Willmar, Chris (and Karen) Odell of Michigan, and Cindi Krause (and special friend, Jeff Huseby) of Olivia; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Shirley Strey of Buffalo Lake; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Walter was preceded in death by his parents, August and Hannah Strey; son, Richard Strey; grandson, Benjamin Strey; and nine brothers and sisters.