In Memory of Gladys Strackbein

Gladys Strackbein, age 91, of Battle Creek, Iowa, died Thursday, March 14, 2013, in Battle Creek.
                Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at St. Paul Lutheran Church/Midway, rural Battle Creek, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend Timothy Chase will officiate, with burial to follow in Midway Cemetery, rural Battle Creek.  Visitation with the family present will be held at Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Battle Creek on Monday from 5-7 p.m.  
                Gladys Amanda (Bruene) Strackbein was born May 7, 1921, on the family farm in Rock Township, Woodbury County, near Correctionville, Iowa, to William and Kate (Volkert) Bruene.  She was baptized June 5, 1921, at St. John Lutheran Church in Cushing, Iowa, and was confirmed in her faith there on July 7, 1935.  She was a long-time member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.  Gladys attended country school Eureka #7 and then went to Correctionville High School, graduating with the Class of 1938.  She attended Wayne State Teacher’s College.  She taught for eight years before her marriage to Arthur Strackbein on March 3, 1946, at Cushing Lutheran Church.  They were married in a double ceremony with Art’s sister, Ethel and Willard Gebers.
                Gladys and Art began farming near Danbury, Iowa, then Battle Creek.  After five years they bought a farm by Midway where they lived until moving into Battle Creek in 1981.
                Five daughters were born to this union:  Wanda, Karen, Diane, and twins Jean and Joann.  After her marriage she transferred her membership to St. Paul at Midway (rural Battle Creek).  Here she taught Sunday school, was member of the Ladies Aid, helped make quilts, and attended many Bible study classes.
                Her passion was being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She was known for her caring and sweet spirit, and selfless love for her family.  She supported and took an interest in her children and grandchildren’s activities.
                Arthur died on February 15, 1998, so Gladys continued to live alone, but always cherished having her family come to see her.  Her home was always decorated for the season, especially Christmas.  Most family members would try to come home for Christmas.
                Gladys is survived by her five daughters, Wanda (Ralph) Procaccini of Olathe, KS, Karen Rupiper of South Sioux City, NE, Diane Hupke of Battle Creek, Jean Johnson of Hawarden, and Joann Gries of Omaha, NE; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, Lisa Procaccini of Olathe, KS, Aaron Procaccini and children Dominic and Brody of Olathe, KS, Katie (Derek) Bleil of Des Moines, Beau (Jessica) Hupke and children Brooklynn and Bridgette of Onawa, Kristen (Chad) Hodgen and children Addison, Carter, and Reese of Tipton, IN, Megan (Ryan) Torgrude and children Luke and Grady of New Hope, MN, Casey (Tara) Gries of Omaha, NE, and Christy Gries and fiancé Austin Holgard of Bismark, ND; a brother-in-law, Willard Gebers of Holstein; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
                In addition to her husband, Gladys was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Merlin Bruene.