Kenneth Loren Stradtman

Kenneth Stradtman, age 87, of St. James passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2020 in Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be 11am, Saturday, March 7, 2020 at St. John Lutheran Church in South Branch with Rev. Matthew Rusert officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be Friday at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James from 5-7pm and at the church one hour before services on Saturday. ********************** Kenneth Stradtman, age 87, of St. James passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2020 in Mesa, AZ. He was born on June 26, 1932 in St. James, the son of Reinhold and Alma (Sternberg) Stradtman. After graduating from St. James High School, in 1950, Ken always knew he'd be a farmer, but his passion first and foremost, was aviation. He'd have to wait to fulfill both of those dreams as he would enlist to serve his country. He served in the Army from 1953-1955. During his 14-month stint overseas, he stationed in Korea. Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Eileen Busse, on March 27, 1955. Ken spent his years working in acres, not hours until he retired from farming in 1996. When he wasn't working the land, if you looked up, you'd see him taking to the skies. He was a professional pilot for 60 years and an FAA Flight Instructor for 30 years. From transporting prisoners to dropping Poppies over St. James Lake at the annual Memorial Day Celebration, to giving his grandchildren joy-rides in his Mooney, Ken was an aviation enthusiast. He was even lucky enough to flight instruct one of his grandson's. If you knew Ken, you knew he was a musician. He played in a country music band and at many wedding dances and anniversary parties. If you missed him at those gatherings you could bet he'd be taking to the stage at Godahl Days, every September. Fore! Ken enjoyed hitting the links with Eileen, reeling in a big catch, and taking aim at a big buck with his sons-in-law. He wasn't one to sit-around and enjoyed keeping busy vacationing, working on wood-carvings, and playing billiards. They say life is all about moments. Three of those moments in Ken's life involved the birth of his daughters; if he was hoping for a son to take over the farm, no such luck. He would still enjoy helping farm from time to time at his daughter, Karen, and her husband's farm north of St. James. He was an active member of his community and was involved in the following organizations: a life-time member at St. John's Lutheran Church in South Branch, a life-time member of the VFW and Legion. He served as President of all three flyings clubs in the area, as well as Lions President, Corn Growers Association President, and Country Club President. From his hobbies and passions to everything in between, Ken lived a full-life peppered with plenty of laughs. He was a strong, proud and good man. He is loved and will be missed by many! Ken is survived by his loving wife Eileen Stradtman, just one month short of their 65th wedding anniversary; children, Karen Lange and her husband Dale, of St. James, Renee Compton and her husband John, of Owatonna, Lori Sandmeyer and her husband Steve, of St. James; grandchildren, Chad Lange and his wife Brooke (great-granddaughter Macy), Katie Lange, Jenna Compton and Matthew Compton; sister-in-law, Helen Stradtman. Ken is proceeded in death by his parents; sisters, Lorraine Date, and Lucille Bartlett; brother, Vernon Stradtman. Visitation 1 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday, March 6, 2020 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Visitation 2 10:00 am - 11:00 am Saturday, March 7, 2020 St. John's Lutheran Church-South Branch 41486 760th Ave. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 11:00 am Saturday, March 7, 2020 St. John's Lutheran Church-South Branch 41486 760th Ave. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, South Branch 41486 760th Ave. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081