Gregory Strain

Madison-After battling Alzheimer’s, Gregory E. Strain, age 69, passed away peacefully, on Aug. 13, 2016 at Trinity Community Living in Madison. Greg was born in Madison on Jan 16, 1947 to John and C Anna (Helgesen) Strain. He grew up in rural Wisconsin, graduated high school in Verona and then joined the Navy. Greg met his wife Sara on a blind date, got married Feb 17, 1968 and had two children—Erica and Shawn. They made their home in Madison, WI. He was a dedicated and loving family man. Greg was always someone you could count on to help you out, even giving you his own food if he thought you were hungry. At times Greg could be a little overprotective but he took great care of everyone who needed it. He enjoyed country music, loved to dance and was a great big goof who loved to get a laugh out of people. Greg loved being outdoors—enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening and playing with his kids and pets. His work was physical and outdoors—maintaining the sewer system for the city of Madison for over 31 years. After retirement in 2003 he continued to be active—taking care of the neighbors’ lawns in the summer and snow removal in the winter. Over the years, Greg and Sara took many trips with Sara’s brother Bob and his wife Linda—oh the stories they have told! Greg was a long standing member of First Baptist Church in Madison and the American Legion Post 501.

Greg is survived by Sara (Meyer) Strain his wife of 48 years; children Erica (Tom) Kersten and Shawn (Shelly) Strain; grandchildren Vanessa, Charlotte,& Ava Kersten, Johnathon& Gracie Strain; siblings Sheila Eith, Sue (Marcus) Bovre, Dan (Dawn) Strain, Jack (Gail) Strain, Deb (Ken) Berg and sister in law Yoshi Stain; many nieces and nephews and in-laws. Greg is preceded in death by his parents, brother Mike Strain and two nephews Marques Bovre and Korbin Berg.

Visitation will be held at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N Sherman Ave, on Monday Aug 22, 2016 from 4-8pm. A Pass and Review by the American Legion Post 501 will take place at 6pm. A Funeral Service will be held at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 518 N Franklin Ave, on Tuesday Aug 23, 2016 at 11am with Rev. Mark Clinger presiding. A visitation will take place at the church from 10am until the time of service. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Trinity and Hospice for taking care of Greg during the last year.