Jean Strelow

Jean Ellen (Frie) Strelow passed away peacefully on June 4, 2024.  She was born February 17, 1928 on the family farm on Arcadia Ridge to Edward and Lenore (Bischel) Frie.

She married Harold (Bud) Strelow in 1947; they later divorced.  To this union four children were born: Karen Lowe, Jeffrey, Richard, and Janet (Bill) Northam.  

She spent her early years on the family farm and enjoyed talking about farm life and reminiscing of her days on the farm.  Upon moving to Winona she worked at Winona Knits, was part owner in Bud’s bar and for many years cooked at the Big O.  She was an excellent cook.  While her education was limited to a one room schoolhouse, which she left after eighth grade. She successfully completed her GED (without telling anyone!) and ended her work career as Supervisor of the Inspecting Department at Knitcraft Corp.  She was a hard worker and loyal employee and role model to many.   

In retirement she found time for travel, reading, playing cribbage and wintering in Arizona.  Her travels included a retirement trip to Hawaii and Australia with her sister, traveled to Europe, Alaska, Boston and took a few cruises, trips to casinos in Las Vegas and Arizona and several trips to Branson.   

She enjoyed the outdoors and drives through the countryside for bittersweet, rocks, and cattails.   You never knew what you might find in the trunk of her car!

She faced life’s challenges with courage and determination; she was a woman of faith, great inner strength and a large giving heart.  She modeled strength, tenacity and determination in her every action.  The strength and love she provided to her family will always be remembered and never forgotten.

She is survived by her daughters Karen and Jan, daughters-in-law Nancy Strelow and Mary Ann Strelow; 14 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren; sister, Carol (Don) Hint, sister-in-law Alice Frie, and brother-in-law, Cliff Wychgram and several nieces and nephews.

She’ll be met in heaven (there’s a special place for her there!) by her boys, Jeff and Rick, granddaughter Sarah; son-in-law, Geoff; her parents, brothers Gaylord Frie and Dale Frie and sisters, Eileen Litscher and Phyllis Heitman. She is also predeceased by her former husband, brother-in-law Lavern Strelow and sister-in-law Phyllis Wychgram. In laws Harry and Juliet Strelow.  And of course, her parents and many generations before.

Jean’s family would like to extend sincere appreciation to the staff at St. Anne’s for the compassionate and loving care provided to Mom. Know that if needed, she will extend a “boot in the butt”. We also extend our appreciation for the care and guidance of Winona Health Hospice services during her final days.

Memorials may be directed to St. Anne of Winona. Private services will be held at a later date.  

    Mom enjoyed the beauty and vastness of nature and this became “Jean’s song” at music therapy…  Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above, Don’t fence me in.   Let me ride through the wide open country that I love, Don’t fence me in.   Let me be by myself in the evenin’ breeze, Listen to the murmur of the cottonwood trees.   Send me off forever but I ask you please, don’t fence me in.