Trudy Stratman
December 29, 1927 – September 7, 2022
VISITATION: Saturday, September 17th from 8am to 9am at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 1920 N. 102nd St., followed by MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 9am. Interment, Calvary Cemetery. Memorials to be directed by the family.
To view a live broadcast of the Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Stratman, parents Dorothy and Glenn Gealy, brother Robert Gealy, and son Mark Stratman.
She is survived by her children Kathy (John) Asmus, Cheryl (Tom) Sauser, Carolyn (Karl) Green, Gregg (Shelly) Stratman, James (Donita) Stratman; grandchildren, Allison Asmus, Erik Asmus, Brian (Amy) Sauser, Ann (Gordon) Wehner, Jill (Adam) Hamilton, Simone Green, Anna Stratman, Ben Stratman, Joe Stratman, Daniel (Katie) Stratman, Kelsey Stratman, Jason (Sabrina) Stratman, Hope Stratman; great grandchildren, Julia Sauser, Anthony Sauser, Mitch Sauser, Susanna Sauser, Vincent Sauser, Cohen Hamilton, Monroe Hamilton, Axton Wehner; cousin, Betty Foster; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Trudy was born on December 29, 1927, in Gordon, NE to Dorothy and Glenn Gealy. She and brother Robert had a happy childhood on the family farm 2 ½ miles outside of Gordon, and dog Herbie was her constant companion. From 4th grade on, she rode her horse Mix to and from school each day except during the winter months, when she would stay in town with relatives.
After high school, Trudy attended Park College in Missouri and the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, earning her degree in Home Economics education. She met her husband Ray while teaching in Central City. They married in 1952 and started having children a year later. After living in South Sioux City and Fremont, they settled in Omaha in 1963.
Trudy resumed her career in 1970, teaching Vocational Home Economics at Lewis & Clark Junior High until retiring in 1990. Ray died in 1989 due to complications from a stroke suffered 4 years earlier. Their son Mark died in 1994.
Trudy loved to travel. Over the years she visited Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Holland , England, France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Denmark, Sweden), the Middle East (Egypt, Jordan, the Holy Lands), Asia (Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Japan, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore), Central America (Columbia, Panama) as well as taking several North America Elderhostel trips (Alaska , Quebec, Montreal, Baltimore, Oregon, Main, Michigan, California, Hawaii, Midway Island). Many of these trips were taken with dear friends.
Trudy’s greatest source of joy was visiting and being with her family and friends. Whether it was spending time with family and friends in Omaha or visiting her out of state children, relatives, or friends who had moved away, she always loved to catch up and ‘gab’ with people. She was a member of a Bridge Club and hosted games at her house many times and always enjoyed the social aspect of it. Trudy was an active member of the P.E.O. organization since 1948 (74 years), most recently in the P.E.O. G.F. chapter.
6 Comments
What a lady; such a bundle of energy all her long life! She was interested in everybody, glowed with enthusiasm by way of her radiant smile and loved to talk. Trudy is at rest, but we’re sad for her family members who no longer have their matriarch to treasure. Nonetheless, we have wonderful memories, which we’ll value always.
Aunt Trudy was always so energetic and cheerful. I do not know where she got the energy. My condolences to all of her children.
Stratman Family….our sincere condolences with your loss. Trudy was always wonderful to us and the rest of my family. Personally, she helped me from grade school age through adulthood. I was fortunate to spend a lot of time through the years receiving encouragement and positive advice from her! I will always remember her with fondness and love. May she rest in peace! Paul and Betsy Reece
My deepest condolences to Trudy’s family. She was my cousin and I always looked forward to seeing her when I was in Omaha. May she Rest In Peace. Millie Gealy Esten.
Dear Stratman and family, please know of my prayers and gratitude for the treasure of good memories of Trudy. She definitely went for the gusto of life and was full of so much joy! We enjoyed many a conversation about teaching home economics with her in the city and me in a small town high school setting. It was special for me when Trudy and Kathy came to my final of our profession with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, in 1997. She was always so supportive. Now, I can just imagine all of the excitement with conversation she is having with family and friends On her next phase of our souls journey. May you all find comfort in her unwavering pride in you, her family.
Please accept our sympathy in your loss. Trudy always had a sparkling personality which was reflected in her actions. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Nancy Harms & Gerhart Wehrbein
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