Louis Patrick Stramel
March 31, 1926 ~ July 26, 2014
Louis Patrick Stramel, 88, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully with his wife, LaVaun by his side on Saturday, July 26, 2014. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2014, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Rev. Christopher Podhajsky. Visitation: 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a rosary at 5:30 p.m. Burial with military honors: Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Survivors include his devoted wife, LaVaun; many nieces and nephews especially Bernie Pavek and his family; sister-in-law, Ruby Cornish; brother-in-law, Don 'Bucky' Buchheister; and longtime friends, Jim and Julie Tevis and family. Louis was born March 31, 1926, in Cedar Rapids, the son of John J. and Elizabeth (Hartman) Stramel. He attended Immaculate Conception School and then went on to serve in the US Air Force during World War II. He was a radio operator handling Okinawa communications. On November 26, 1994, he married LaVaun Buchheister in Cedar Rapids. Louis was a supervisor for Metal Crafters, Collins Radio, Kirkwood Community College, and Pre-Stressed Concrete. Louis was an avid car fan, enjoyed music, and loved fishing and hanging out on Lake McBride. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John L., Stephen, Joseph, Jerome, and James; and sisters, Theresa Stramel, Ann Owen, Elizabeth Pavek, and Mary Kopecky.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Dear LaVaun, I was so sorry to hear about Lou’s passing. Please accept my sincere prayers and sympathy. I wish the Sauser’s could be there with you. If there’s anything we can do from afar, please let us know.
I was saddened to see that my favorite great Uncle died. He called me a few months ago prior to having surgery – then I talked to him afterwards and he pulled through the procedure – I was greatful I was able to speak on the phone with him when I did. He will be greatly missed… My only regret is that I hadn’t seen him in several years and wished I could have visited him one last time. I remember when I was a child and my Dad [Wencil Jr], Mom [Peggy] and Sister [Debi] would travel to Iowa from California every summer to visit my Grand Parents and one of my highlights was seeing my Uncle Louis !! I will miss you very much and all your great stories… Love Kim
My deepest sympathy. Tom and Lou were friends a long time. We enjoyed our dinners with the IC group. My prayers are with you. Betty
Sincere sympathy from Mother and me, LaVaun. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Phyllis
LaVaun, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Uncle Louie was one of the funniest people we have ever known. As kids and adults, he kept us all laughing. We will truly miss him and are better for having him in our lives. We are all so thankful to you for being there for him.
In Our Hearts, Susie and Leo