Steven C. 'Steve' Strasman

Steven Charles Strasman April 18, 1948, to June 7, 2022 Steven C. Strasman was born in Merrill, WI, on April 18, 1948, to Bert and Ruth (Ament) Strasman. Steve attended Merrill High School, where he met his future wife, Lana Chilsen, in the school lunch line. Steve and Lana were married on October 28, 1967. Steve worked multiple jobs early in their marriage. The job he excelled at most was being an electrician. He started as an apprentice at Electrical Wiring and Supplies in Merrill and eventually started his own business with Lana, Strasman Electrical Wiring, Inc. in 1994. He also achieved being a Master Electrician at this time. Steve believed in great service for our community doing both big and small electrical jobs and taking care of his faithful client base in Merrill. One of his gifts to the community later in his career was helping light up the River Bend Trail in Merrill. Steve was also well known for being a rock and roll musician. He and his brother, Jim, started the band “Jimmy and the Javelins” when he was in high school, where Steve played the drums and sang. They traveled all over the Midwest playing gigs and participating in the Battle of the Bands. Steve always talked about the joy of opening for the Guess Who in Merrill at the fairgrounds. Steve loved it when he could make music with his sons, grandkids, and friends throughout his life. His “goto” song, which Lana loved, was “Mack the Knife”. Steve also was an excellent artist, a little league baseball coach for his boys, a lover of tools, and a problem solver. Steve was always looking for a way to find a mechanical advantage with his tools and loved checking out new tools. Steve and Lana also loved camping and golfing and they liked going to different state parks in Wisconsin where they could do both together. Steve enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and keeping up his beautiful yard and lawn. Many of his woodwork projects, such as coffee tables, end tables, and picture frames are still used in their home and their kids’ homes. Steve and Lana Strasman were married for 54 years but have been together 60 years since being high school sweethearts. They were partners in everything they did, including their love of dancing together. One of Steve and Lana’s favorite family outings with the kids was to go cross country skiing at the Underdown and then have Kids Korner pizzas at home afterward. The family also loved waterskiing, family cookouts, and hanging out on Lake Pesobic at Grandma Flory’s home. Steve and Lana were extremely proud of and enjoyed their grandchildren, always. After a valiant battle with cancer, Steve passed away in the promises of his faith in Jesus Christ while in comfort care at Aspirus Hospital in Merrill on June 7, 2022, surrounded by his family. Steve now rests with all those who have gone before him in the faith. Steve is survived by his loving wife, Lana; two sons, Steve and Jon (Jeranna) Strasman; 6 grandchildren, Annika, Nathan, Elias, Lauren, Ezra, and Marcella. Steve’s death was proceeded by his parents, Bert and Ruth Strasman and his brother James Strasman. His wife and family have been blessed to have him in their lives and he will be missed greatly by all! A memorial service for Steve will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, June 20, 2022, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill, with Rev. Patricia Schutz officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M. at the church. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com