Clarence Stratman, 89, of Springfield

Funeral mass will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 2, 2025 at St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Springfield. Burial is in St. Vincent Catholic Cemetery in Springfield. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 5 -7 PM, followed by a Rosary/Wake Service at 7 PM.

Clarence Ivo Stratman was born July 6, 1935 on the Stratman family farm on the hills of the Missouri River by St. Helena, NE. He was the son of Edgar and Theresa (Schurman) Stratman. He passed away December 29, 2024 at the Alpine Village in Verdigre, NE.

Clarence attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School in St. Helena, NE through the 8th grade when he went to work on the family farm. During his youth he played baseball with his five brothers for the St. Helena town team.

Clarence married his best friend and love of his life Coletta Schmitt on June 4, 1957 in Menomonee, NE. They moved to a farm and ranch near Running Water, SD along the bluffs of the Missouri River where he and Coletta welcomed many hunters and friends that Clarence guided deer hunting. In 1970 they bought a farm two miles north where together they farmed and raised seven children. Clarence was a big community volunteer. He served on the Donnelly country school #7 and Bon Homme school boards. He was one of the founding members of the Springfield Saddle Club and helped with building the rodeo arena. Clarence served on the Springfield rural fire board, Knights of Columbus and was also chosen as the Bon Homme Conservation Farmer of the Year.

Clarence was a member of the St. Vincent Catholic Church in Springfield, where he was on the original building committee. He served several terms on the parish council & cemetery board where he helped maintain the Catholic cemetery with Coletta along his side for over 20 years. He also served the church as a Eucharistic Minister during mass for almost 50 years.

He treasured his coffee time with neighbors and friends, the cattle he raised and the land he proudly worked. He also enjoyed watching an old western if he could be still for five minutes…   He loved to take his beloved blue Jeep out to the pasture and most times had several grandkids in tow.  Many adventurous unplanned driving lessons were given by Grandpa and the old blue stick shift to include testimonies from the grandkids.

Family was very important to Clarence and will be remembered for being in the lives of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved supporting them in their sporting events and enjoyed attending all their activities.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife of 67 years, Coletta, his kids: Tom (Laurie) Stratman, Springfield, SD, Jim Stratman and Fiancé, Delynn Reichert Willis, New Underwood, SD, Karla (Larry) DeJong, Avon, SD, Allan (Judie) Stratman, Johnson Siding, SD, Bob Stratman, Lakeville, MN, Greg (Dawn) Stratman, Owasso, OK, Marie Blaha, Springfield, SD; 18 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren and one on the way; siblings: Jerome Stratman, Hartington, NE, Dick (Judy) Stratman, South Yankton, NE, Jean Stratman, St. Helena, NE, Denise Stratman, Verdigre, NE, Mary Pike, Sioux Falls, SD and many nieces and nephews.

Clarence was preceded in death by his grandson, Brock Stratman, his parents, brothers: Kenny, Ralph and Eddie Stratman; sisters: Marcie Schulte and Dorothy Stratman; sisters-in-law: Theresa, Darlene and Darlene Stratman; and brother-in-law Hubert Schulte.