Strackbein, Erwin L.

Erwin L. Strackbein, 89, of Lowden, died Friday, Feb. 11, 2011, in the Clarence Nursing Home. Funeral services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Zion United Church of Christ, Lowden, by the Rev. Mark Buck. Burial: Lowden Cemetery. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Chapman Funeral Home, Clarence.

Born Nov. 3, 1921, on a farm south of Lowden, he was the son of John and Anna (Stuhr) Strackbein. On June 14, 1947, he married Faith Hoyer in Lowden. Erwin attended country school and graduated from Lowden High School in 1939. He spent two years in the Naval Air Corps. On returning home he worked for Albert Mensing and purchased the John Deere Implement business in 1951.

Erwin was a life member of Zion Church, taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, was a board member and president of the board. He was a life member of the American Legion, where he also served as commander; member of the Lowden Family Medical Clinic board, Commercial Club, 22-year volunteer fireman; longtime member of the Lowden Lions and member of Lowden Memorial Park board. 

He donated the original John Deere building to the town for a library and he and Faith were youth fellowship sponsors for 13 years. After retiring, they spent their winters in Arizona for 24 years.

Survivors include his wife, Faith; daughters, Irma Simpson of Bradenton, Fla., and Ellen (Richard) Hull of Cedar Rapids; a son, Terry (Judy) Strackbein of Charlottesville, Va.; two grandchildren, Aaron Hull and Amy (Kris) Karr; andfive great-grandchildren, Arianna, Noah, Leah, Elijah Hull and Alex Karr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and one brother.