Marie M. Strangstalien

Marie Mabel Strangstalien, 96, went to her eternal rest on Wednesday morning, March 12, 2025. She was born on June 21, 1928, to Emil and Hattie (Radtke) Maurer in La Crosse, WI. She was baptized and confirmed at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Marie was a 1946 graduate of Central High School.

One of Marie’s first jobs out of high school was at Gundersen Clinic, where she worked for 10 years as a receptionist. She then worked for Yahr-Lang Pharmaceuticals in La Crosse for over 30 years. She was a member of Vang Lutheran Church, the Purple Heart Auxiliary and the Coon Valley American Legion Auxiliary.

On December 23, 1955, Marie and Robert “Bobby” Strangstalien were joined in marriage at First Evangelical Church. They were married for 46 years until his death in May of 2002. At one time, the couple owned and operated a grocery store and later a laundromat in Coon Valley.

Marie and Bobby loved nature’s beauty and surrounded themselves with it whenever they could. They spent many weekends in Hatfield where Bobby had built them a cabin. Following retirement, the couple wintered in Palmetto, FL where Bobby had built them a beautiful home near a lake. They enjoyed time there with fellow snowbirds, Verlyn and LuEtta Strangstalien, and welcomed frequent visits from family and friends seeking refuge from the cold Wisconsin winters.

Marie was an animal lover, especially her dogs Zoey, who became her comfort after Bobby’s passing, and more recently her faithful companion Cricket, who has thankfully been adopted by Deb Hage. Special thanks to Deb for her loving care.

A heartfelt thanks to Rachel Neidfeldt as well. More than a next-door neighbor—Rachel was a good friend to Marie, a welcome visitor and source of kindness, checking in on her nearly every day.

Marie spent the last two weeks of her life at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby. Thanks to the staff for their loving care in Marie’s final days. Thanks also to Gundersen Hospice Program who brought Marie homecare as well as an extra measure of comfort during her time at Norseland.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, husband and six siblings and their spouses: Ella Maurer, Henry (Lois), Elmer, Robert (Delores), Edward (Helen), and Leo (Donna). She was also preceded in death by brothers- and sisters-in-law: Gordon Strangstalien, Beverly (Donald) Jensen, Verlyn (LuEtta) Strangstalien, Lucille (LaVerne) Ostrem, Dorothy (Glen) Seivertson, Roger Strangstalien, Arlene (John) Townsend, and Floyd Storey.

Survivors include brothers- and sisters-in-law: Dennis (Suzanne) Strangstalien, Donna Strangstalien, Larry (Rachel) Strangstalien, Gloria Storey, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Vang Lutheran Church, rural Westby. Pastor Alyssa Weaver officiating with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service. All are invited for lunch after services. The Seland Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be offered at selandsfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Vang Lutheran Church.