William F. Stratman

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - William F. Stratman, 94, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015.

He was born on May 10, 1921, in Bessemer, the son of Leonard and Lilly (Hardy) Stratman. Bill attended Bessemer schools and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in 1939.

He was part of the Civilian Conservation Corps in Marenisco before entering the military. Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged as a technical sergeant on Dec. 26, 1945. Bill received the Victory Medal, American Theatre Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with four Bronze Battle Stars, two Overseas Service Bars, one Service Stripe and the Good Conduct Medal.

Returning to the area, he worked at local iron ore and copper mines. Bill concluded his working career at White Pine Copper Company. He retired in 1982.

On March 15, 1947, Bill was united in marriage to Margaret Elaine Bolen at Immanuel Lutheran Church. They made their home in Wakefield and were blessed with two children.

He was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 in Wakefield.

Bill spent countless hours hunting, fishing and tending to his vegetable garden. He took pleasure in camping with his family.

Bill is survived by his wife of more than 68 years, Margaret; two children, Jim (Gail) Stratman and Mary Beth (Robert) DaPra, both of Wakefield; four grandchildren, Tim (Lisa) Stratman, Joe (Jess) Stratman, Brandon (Melissa) DaPra and Maria (Mat) Syreini; three great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Mason and Lily; a sister-in-law, Vivian Bolen of Wakefield; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother-in-law, William Bolen.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 to 11 a.m., at All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m.

A funeral service will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Bill Jacobson officiating.

His family will serve as pallbearers.

Following the service, military rites will take place at the church under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Post 11 and Wakefield VFW Post 9084 Honor Guard.

Lunch will be served at the church fellowship hall following the military service.

Committal services and interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, in the spring.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Online condolences may be made to lakesidememorialchapel.com.