Cathy Strassman

MONTFORT/VIROQUA/SUN PRAIRIE-Cathy Strassman, of Monfort, Wis., formerly of Viroqua and Sun Prairie passed away from this universe, on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016. She was born on June 8, 1958, to August and Grace Strassman in Madison. Cathy graduated in 1976 from Madison West High School. She held a degree in accounting from Madison Area Technical College and was a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, 85th Air Cargo unit in Madison. Cathy met Marva Becker in December of 2002; they were joined in union on May 26, 2016. Together they had a wonderful life and several adventures. They own and operate Windmill CITGO in Montfort. Cathy worked for 17 years as a courier for Fed Ex in Indianapolis, Richmond, Va., Columbus, Ohio, and Madison. She also worked for 10 years as an insurance agent. She found her passion in going into business for herself and operating her own pet kennel, SunBurst Ridge Boarding in Viroqua. Cathy was wonderful with dogs; she was able to take the shyest, most timid dog and turn it into a lifelong friend. Many of her clients' parents' stated that their dogs were extremely excited to come to the kennel to be with Cathy. To say she was an avid Green Bay Packers fan does not do her justice. We joked all the time that she should have gone to work for them. She could call the plays, verbatim. Cathy watched every game since the age of 12. Many of them more than once! We have a room in our home dedicated to the Packers. Cathy loved to read; she loved penguins, whales and especially dogs, and was a Christmas light enthusiast. Her relaxation was camping, reading, listening to music and watching her videos of the Grand Canyon. She saw the Grand Canyon in person on our trip to Sedona, Ariz., in 2014. Cathy was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer in May of 2015. She accepted the most difficult journey and never asked why. Cathy is survived by her spouse and soulmate, Marva Becker and her four legged children, Emma and Tava; sisters, Cindy (Roger) Beck of Cottage Grove, Mary (Mark) Grosse of Cross Plains, Christine Nygren of Deforest, and Lisa (Tom) Robson of Stoughton; brothers, Dave (Cheryl) Strassman of Fitchburg and Don (Linda) Strassman of Madison; and several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Cathy is also survived by her mother-law, Judy Torgerson of Westby; father-in-law, Marvin (Kathy) Becker of LaCrosse; sisters-in-law, Joan (Scott) Steiger of LaCresent, Minn., Andrea (Gary Kozelka II) Modlin of West Salem, and Jennifer (Matt) Ostricki of LaCrosse; brother-in-law, Bill (Marge) Becker of LaCrosse; and many nieces and nephews. Additionally she is survived by her step-daughter, Bobbie Jean; and grandson, Sebastian; as well as our wonderful friends, Rhonda and JoAnn, Susan and Brenda, Karen and Rene, Mary Kaye and Donna, and Carl and Larry. Cathy was preceded in death by her parents Augie and Grace in August and October 2011 repectively, sister-in-law, Diane Strassman in February 2013; and her step-father-in-law, Larry Torgerson in June 2016. A Celebration of Cathy's Life will be held at the GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In honor of Cathy, please feel comfortable wearing jeans and your favorite Packer shirt (or the NFL team of choice-we'll forgive you). A special thank you to the Gundersen Health Services staff in Viroqua, Boscobel, and LaCrosse and lots of love and admiration for the Grant County Hospice group. I am eternally grateful for all that you've done for Cathy and I as we traveled down this difficult road. Online condolences made be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Rd. (608) 442-5002