Richard Joseph Stratz, 87, of Big Rapids, Michigan, passed peacefully on March 10, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Richard is survived by his son, Richard (Anne Marie) Stratz of Evergreen, CO; son,, Ronald (Jane) Stratz of Maricopa, AZ; daughter, Laura (Bryan) Herne of McHenry, IL, son, Donald (Bonnie) Stratz of Clinton, WI; daughter, MaryAnn Stratz (Phil) of Hillside, IL; son, Daniel (Kristen) Stratz of Hanover Park IL; stepdaughter Janet Griseto of Wheatland, WY; brother Albert (Marilyn) Stratz of Los Altos CA and many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Agnes Stratz of Big Rapids, MI; wife Eleanor, his brother Henry (Anna Marie) Stratz; his sister Mary Emily (Paul) Christensen; his brother (Charles) Gordon (Nelda) Stratz; his sister Agnes Ann (Merrill) Heald and stepson Alfred Griseto.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, June 26, 2020 at 10:00 AM at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix AZ. Fellowship luncheon will follow in the church hall. Donations in memory of Richard may be made to Alzheimer’s Association for Research.
Richard holds a special place in many hearts. He served in the Korean War, worked in sales most of his life and always lived a life of faith, family, and John Deere!
Susan Sankins
Dear Richie, Ronnie, Laura, Donnie, Mary Ann, and Danny,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Uncle Rich was always quick with a joke, and fun to be around. I always looked forward to your family visits to farm back in the day. He will be missed greatly by the family.
Love to you all,
Sue
Bob Painter
I’m saddened to hear of Rich’s passing. I saw him while he was out in Maricopa at the care home. We last texted late September and he informed me he was home. Rich was my Standard rep all my years at Embassy Suites and he and Ellie would always come for Sunday Breakfast to the Gazebo Cafe. We became great friends and I still have the 50 and still look great coffee mug that I received on my 50th birthday. Rich went into the Gazebo Cafe and decorated it the night before for me to find when I came in the following morning on my birthday. The list goes on of all the wonderful memories of birthday lunches we exchanged and times shared. My heart felt prayers and comfort the the entire family along with all those lives Rich left the footprints of his kindness and generosity. Welcome Home Rich!
Genevieve Acosta
Deeply sorry for your loss. I will miss Rich’s kindness and our talks. I’ve known Rich for over 25 years and even got the priveledge to be visited by him after he retired. It was always nice catching up with him and hearing him talk about tractor shows! So sad to hear he has left us but happy for his next journey! My heart goes out to you all.
Thomas A Hart
My condolence to the family. Rich was a good friend. He was a Charter Member of St Theresa Knights of Columbus Council 13497 in 2004. The Usher Captain at 7:30 AM Sunday Mass. Active Member of St Theresa Parish!
May he Rest in Peace!
Yours in Christ,
SK Tom Hart / Grand Knight – St Theresa Council 13497
PGK Tempe Council 6627
Anne Marie Hancock
I am so very sorry to hear about Richard’s passing. He was such a sweet man and a very proud John Deere owner. He would ride his tractor down the road with pride. Richard will be missed. I work in the HOA where Richard lived. One of my favorite stores is when he came into the office and noted a calendar with antique John Deere tractors. His face lit up like a Christmas tree. He was thrilled looking through the calendar. At the end of the year, we gave him the calendar to admire. Every years since, he came into the office at the beginning of the year to see if John Deere left anymore calendars of antiques. I will miss visiting with Richard. Rest in Peace sweet Richard Stratz. May you be surrounded by John Deere tractors for eternity.