Calvin "Pat" Strasburger

Calvin E. Strasburger

September 17, 1923 - September 2, 2021

Calvin “Pat” Strasburger was born on September 17, 1923, to William and Elsie (Pisel) Strasburger in Deer Trail, Colorado. He grew up on the family ranch near Ellsworth, Nebraska and graduated from Alliance High School in 1941. He served in the Army from 1944 - Jan 11, 1946 and was stationed in Hawaii following World War II. He returned to ranch life as soon as he was discharged.  On December 18th,1954 he married his soul-mate Vesta DeWolfe.

Pat loved the Sandhills.  Partnering with his two brothers Elbert and Dean, they built three beautiful ranches, that the families still operate to this day, over a century after their father William’s homestead of 1908.  Pat made sure that the cattle and horses came first, and that they had feed and water early in the day.  He especially loved tight fences and putting up quality hay for the winter months.  Pat would always announce each fall “This is the best set of steers and heifers we’ve ever raised.”  He continued to help with cattle work well into his 90’s.  There was always time for personal and community activities, including hunting, fishing, golf, and being an avid bowler.   Everyone within ear shot knew when Pat hooked a big one by his hardy laugh.  He served on many committees including the Gordon Rural Fire department for over 49 years, the CO-Op Board, and for the past few years, was the eldest member of Pleasant Point Community Church.

Pat and Vesta enjoyed many ranch visits from their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Pat is survived by his wife, Vesta Strasburger, of almost 68 years.  Their children; Janette Strasburger Hayes (Jeff) of Neenah, WI; Mike (Bonnie) Strasburger of Ellsworth, NE; Jodie (Bruce) Fisk of Rapid City, SD; Jill (Fayette) Harwick of Alliance, NE; and Patrick (Gail) Strasburger of Rapid City, SD.

Their grandchildren; Todd (Serena) Strasburger of Edmond, OK; Tyler (Melinda) Strasburger of Billings, MT; Timothy Hayes of Neenah, WI; Katelyn (Ben) Lewis of Rapid City, SD; Jada Fisk of Austin, TX; Mackenzie (John) Stabnow of Alliance, NE; Saige (Jason) Rasmussen of Lincoln, NE; Sebastian (Allison) Boerke; Brittany Boerke, Kirsten (Casey) Anderson; and Tianna Boerke of Rapid City, SD. And their Great-Grandchildren; Harper & Tatum Strasburger; Kennedi Strasburger; Graham, Grace, and Claire Lewis; Coy Stabnow; Gentry Walker; Oliver & Noah Rasmussen; Vallie Mae Anderson; and Mason Boerke.

Preceding Calvin in death were his parents; sisters; Pearl Kroeze & Ethel Andrick; brothers, Wesley, Elbert, and Dean Strasburger; and great grandson Maddox Rasmussen.

Funeral services will be held Saturday September 11, 2021, 2:00 pm at Pleasant Point Community Church, Ellsworth, NE, with burial to follow in the Pleasant Point Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday September 10, 2021, from 5 to 7 pm at Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, Gordon, NE.

In memory of Calvin, donations can be made to either Pleasant Point Community Church, Ellsworth, NE, or to the Gordon Rural Fire Department, in care of Chamberlin-Pier Funeral Home, PO Box 366, Gordon, NE 69343.

Ranching isn’t just a way of living, it’s a way of life.  From Words to Live By ©1990 Farming Mag, Inc.