Sylverster J. Strasser

Our dear husband and father Sylvester Joseph Strasser, also known as “Fat” to his many friends passed away on March 31, 2015 at the age of 89 at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital. He was born in La Crosse on January 19, 1926 to Joseph J. and Elsie E. (Le Jeune) Strasser. He had 3 siblings, Rosemarie, Leroy “Bud”, and Clarence “Windy”. He was baptized and attended grade school at Holy Trinity was a parishioner of that parish at his passing. He was a “Class of 45” graduate of Aquinas High School. In early 1949, he met the love of his life, Beverly J. Helland, they married on June 14, 1950 and lived on 23rd St. in La Crosse for 55 years bearing 3 children; Margaret, Kathleen and Thomas.

 

His career was a long one as joint/sole proprietor of Strasser`s Tavern, a family run La Crosse business established in 1889 by his Grandfather John Strasser. Sylvester “Fat” was a people person which made him perfect for his career of choice; he could start a conversation with just about anyone. He was well known by his customers and friends for being quick witted with smart aleck banter. He befriended many throughout his long career of over 50 years which made it seem to his children that he knew everyone in La Crosse. He was a member of the Holy Trinity Men’s Club and loved to bowl at Leo Hall on the Tavern Team. Throughout his life, he loved boating and fishing on the river. Friends and family relied on him to fix just about anything; cars, appliances, home maintenance, etc. He was always ready and willing to help everyone. Upon retirement, he and Beverly moved to Onalaska where he completed his life.

 

Sylvester now watches over his family from Heaven.

 

He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years Beverly, three children; Margaret “Ann” Boland (Dennis) of Monona WI, Kathleen Strasser of La Crosse, Thomas Strasser (Andrea) of Corona, CA, grandchildren; Erin Boland of New Haven, CT and Elizabeth Phillips (Benjamin) of Monona WI, sister, Rosemarie Herlitzke of La Crosse and sister-in-law Marjorie “Pat” Helland of Ft Lauderdale FL, and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Elsie Strasser, his brothers LeRoy “Bud” Strasser (Florence), Clarence ”Windy” Strasser (Fern), brother-in-laws; Clarence Herlitzke, Robert “Bob” Helland, sister-in-laws; Shirley Hanson and Betty Ripley.

 

A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday April 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church 1333 S 13^th St. with Rev. Rick Roberts officiating with entombment in the Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation will be held at Blaschke-Schneider Funeral home on 1501 West Ave. S. on Monday, April 6^th from 4:30pm to 7pm. And at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 am until the time of Mass. Memorials can be made to Holy Trinity Parish, Aquinas High School or a charity of your choice.