Roland Stradtman

Roland Stradtman, age 79, of St. James, died on Sunday, October 30, 2011, at the Luther Memorial Home in Madelia. Roland Charles Stradtman was born June 7, 1932, in Madelia, MN, the son of George and Olga (Schultz) Stradtman. Roland was baptized and confirmed by Pastor W.F. Rolf at St. John's Lutheran Church of South Branch. He attended grade school at St. John's Lutheran of South Branch and attended St. James High School. He graduated from the School of Agriculture at the University of Minnesota. He was united in marriage to Luella Anna Sternberg on June 29, 1952 at St. John's Lutheran Church at South Branch. Roland served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. He farmed in the South Branch area his entire life, served on the School Board in South Branch, served as an elder and trustee at St. John's Lutheran Church for many years. He was on the board of directors at Watonwan Cooperative Oil and a member of the Lewisville American Legion. Roland's hobbies included fishing, wood working, gardening and after retiring helping on the farm. He and Luella played many games of scrabble. He enjoyed coffee time with his buddies at McDonald's. His pride and joy were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed spending lots of time with them. He is survived by his wife Luella Stradtman of St. James, daughters Debra (Neal) Belgard of St. James, Jill (Brad) Viland of St. James, son Brian (Carol) Stradtman of St. James, 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, brother Charles (Jean) Stradtman of St. James, sister-in-law Angeline Stradtman of St. James, nieces, nephews and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter and brother Willard.