Harold 'Harry' James Straetz
August 20, 1957 - June 08, 2011
Obituary
Straetz, Harold "Harry" James
MADISON-Harold "Harry" James Straetz, age 53 of Madison passed on to our heavenly Father on June 8, 2011 at HospiceCare, Inc., after a courageous 3 and a half year battle with cancer. He was born on August 20, 1957 in Milwaukee, the son of Thomas and Anna (Beck) Straetz. In 1967 the family moved to Glidden, where Harry lived his early life and finished school. In 1987 he graduated from the UW Superior with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science. In the same year Harry moved to Madison to attend UW Madison Law School. Due to a brief illness, Harry had to resign from school and then took a career in wait staff and supervisor in various restaurants in Madison, primarily with the Ovens of Brittany Restaurant's, Sun Porch, Sun Print, and Montes Blue Plate Diner. During this time, Harry was extensively involved as a volunteer, board member, and for the past 9 years a staff member for OutReach, Inc., Madison's LGBT Community Center. Harry enjoyed his work, dancing, music, outdoor activities, his wonderful friendsand family, and his great zest for life. He is survived by his sister; Cindy (Aaron) McClaire of Kaukauna; Nephews; Jake (Pam) McClaire of Kaukauna, Ian (Anna Vandehey) McClaire of Kaukauna, Charles Hauschild of Minneapolis, MN, Tim Hauschild of Seattle, WA, Ed Hauschild of Park Falls, Nieces; Susan Hauschild of Minneapolis, MN, Holly Mosley of Iowa, Terry Findley, Tammy Brothers, Kimbery Freeman, Fara Lowry, and Christy Botsford, all of Attalla, AL.; Harry's "Hair-Bear-Care- Team"; Walt Jackson, Robin Gee, Blanka Pinkasova, Josh Bartz, and numerous special friends from over the years. Harry was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Thomas Jr. and Richard.Memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at noon on Saturday, June 18, 2011. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Memorials may be made to Gilda's Club of Madison, HospiceCare, Inc., and OutReach, Inc. The family would like to especially thank the doctors, nurses,and staff members at UW Hospital Oncology Unit, HospiceCare, Inc., and Belmont Rehabilitation Center.
Memorials:
Memorials may be made to Gilda's Club of Madison, HospiceCare, Inc., and OutReach, Inc.
Visitation:
Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
Service:
Memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at noon on Saturday, June 18, 2011.
Events
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Wayne Gathright
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The world doesn't seem as bright now that you are gone. Your optimism and enthusiasm lifted many a dark cloud for many people.
You will be missed.
Wayne
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Rod Johnson
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You,Sir, were a gift to the Community and to me personally in ways beyond your knowing. Peace to you and your memory!
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Karen Dilday
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Harry was the first person I met at Outreach and he made me feel welcome right off. He was able to be totally present with whomever he was talking with if it was a few seconds or a longer conversation. I will greatly miss knowing that such a wonderful soul is here on earth with us. I have come to realize in the last few weeks that I loved Harry as a person, and regret that we were not able to be better friends. Blessed Be...........Harry
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Nick Kelly
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A few years ago I was looking for an opportunity to serve my gay community on a speakers bureau. Someone told me about OutReach and about Harry.
I went down to meet him and he was so cordial and welcoming to me. He explained their program and I went to the training and started speaking right away.
Harry like to call me "a walking dictionary of gay history" because of my years as an activist. It was one of the nicest compliments I've ever recieved from anyone.
I loved working with Harry at OutReach and will miss him terribly.
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Michele
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We all remember the people who touch our lives in a way that is beyond words. Harry, your vitality, humor and laugh will remain with me always.
I extend my sincere condolences to your family as they face losing you, much much too soon.
May they have the comfort of each other and of memories of your amazing spirit.