Herman Henry Stratman

Herman Henry Stratman, age 85, of Vienna, departed this life Sunday, July 29, 2012, in the St. Mary's Health Center, Jefferson City. He had been in failing health for six months. He was born January 31, 1927, at Vienna, a son of Frederick Francis and Henrietta Franziska (Wilde) Stratman, Herman was first united in marriage on April 30, 1949, at Brinktown to Olivia Margaret Wenzel, and to this union, five children were born. He was preceded in death by his first wife on June 23, 1983. He was later united in marriage on October 27, 1984, at Jefferson City, to Mary Catherine (Boessen) Green, who preceded him in death on March 18, 2010. Other family members preceding Herman in death include his father on January 31, 1973; his mother on August 2, 1990; two brothers, Alfred Stratman and John David Stratman; and one sister, Odelia DuBuque. On November 23, 1945, at Fort Ord, California, Herman entered into active federal service in the Army of the United States and served until December 7, 1946, when he was honorably discharged at Fort Lewis, Washington. During his military career, Herman had been trained in food preparation and served as a cook. He was awarded and entitled to wear the U.S. Army of Occupation Medal (Japan) and the U.S. Army Victory Medal. Prior to his discharge, Herman had attained the rank of Private First Class and was assigned to Company F of the First Infantry Regiment. A man of excellent character, his "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country during World War II. Herman was a member of the Visitation Catholic Church, Vienna; VFW Post No. 1003; American Legion Post No. 5; and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 2693, all in Jefferson City; and the National Rifle Association. Activities he especially enjoyed included fishing, dancing, traveling, and going with friends on the bus to riverboat casinos. At age 16, Herman went to St. Louis to seek employment and was employed by Huggig Sach Endore, Mines Equipment and Magnus Metal prior to his military service. After his discharge from the army, he was employed for a time at McKay Buick, Jefferson City; before enrolling in auto body repair training school. Upon his completion of training, Herman became owner and operator through the years of S & S Auto Body Shop located first in Jefferson City then Dixon and later Brinktown where he and his wife, Olivia, operated the Brinktown Store as well. He and his family had also owned and operated the Cash Market Grocery Store, the Stratman Drug Store and Arcade, and last, the Plaza Service Center, all in Vienna, prior to his retirement in 1989. Those left to mourn the passing of Herman include: two sons, Felix Stratman and wife, Shelley, and Michael Stratman and friend, Sheila Rainey, all of Vienna; three daughters, Linda Stratman and friend, John Roberts, Holt, Rita Kay Ragan and husband, Fred, Vienna, and Cynthia Rollins and husband, Bryan, Liberty; three step-sons, Sterling Green Jr. and wife, Sue, LaMont, Daniel Green and wife, Susan, Gladstone, and Stanley Green and wife, Barbara, Kansas City; two step-daughters, Donna Townsend and husband, Lee, Cross Creek, Florida, and M. Denise Spangler and husband, Jeff, St. Augustine, Florida; four brothers, Arnold Stratman, Leasburg, Francis Stratman and wife, Clara, Waterloo, Illinois, Cletus Stratman and wife, Judy, St. Louis, and Anthony Stratman and wife, Laura, St. Louis; four sisters, Evelyn Baum, Benbrook, Texas, Leona Engel and husband, Andy, Florissant, Barbara Boone and husband, Tom, St. Louis, and Karen Papke and husband, David, Palm Harbor, Florida; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation for Herman will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 2, 2012, in the Vienna Chapel of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes followed by a Prayer Service. Visitation will also be held from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. on Friday, August 3, 2012, at the funeral home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Herman at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, August 3, 2012, in the Visitation Catholic Church, Vienna, with the Rev. Msgr. Marion J. Makarewicz and the Rev. Benedict Nzabonimpa con-celebrating the Mass. Interment and military honors will be in the Visitation Cemetery, Vienna, under the direction of the Vienna Chapel of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes. Memorial contributions are suggested for Masses or the wishes of the family. Online condolences may be left at birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com