Obituaries

HERBERT GEORG STRATTNER

Herb was born in Fuerth, Bavaria Germany in 1938.

After his school years, he entered a 3 year Apprenticeship as a Professional Waiter and after Graduation, he moved on to work in Hotels like Garmisch and Heidelberg, but realized he needed to be fluent in English and widen his Horizon. When he met someone that had been in Canada, he also applied at the Immigration office and in Nov. 1957 he boarded the ship the “Arosa Star” and crossed the Atlantic Ocean to Quebec City. A new world was in front of him! He then took a train to Winnipeg, MB – and since he was looking for a job, he was sent to S’toon/SK and from there to Biggar/SK, were he found a job as a waiter in the train station. What a change from the posh Hotels he came from. Word got around and Herb met Lionel Jones, the owner of a Hardware Store – Mooney’s and also the Mayor of Biggar. Help was always needed and Herb was hired. It was a great education – learning the Hardware business from scratch. Herb loved the Prairie and the open Sky -and Curling in Winter.

After 3 years, Herb met Frank – a young man that worked for the Co-op and they both decided to move on and joined a Co-op Store in North Battleford. There, another young man, Paul, – just arrived from the UK – also joined the Company. The opportunity came along and the Co-op was growing – there was a new Store Opening in Edmonton/AB – they needed Managers and all 3 young men were hired!

In 1963, Herb planned a Holiday to see his parents in Germany.
He was given a young ladies address by one of his female employees – explaining: Here is my school mate’s address, you should visit her in the Black Forest, if you have time.
Herb decided to meet this girl and stayed for 3 days. After returning to Canada, the two kept in touch for 2 more years until Karla arrived in Edmonton. They were married that same Summer 1965 with help of all the Co-op friends! A honeymoon to the Rockies and a Camping trip was a great adventure. – Herb and Karla enjoyed almost 60 years of Marriage together and were blessed with 2 sons – Justin (Nadia) and Troy; Grandson’s Zachary, Jayden and granddaughter Hadley. Newest additions are Nadia’s sons – Austin and Lukas by marriage.

After Edmonton, Herb was hired as a Buyer at the Fed. Co-op Ltd. Head office Saskatoon and later promoted to Procurement Supervisor. He then met a Salesman, who was going to retire and sold his Agency to Herb in 1974. That meant a move to Winnipeg/MB. Herb and Karla took over the business and named the Co. “Sirius Merchandisers Co. Ltd.” Sales were good and took them to Trade Shows in Canada, USA and Europe.

A holiday to Hawaii was very memorable for the family – and Herb fell in love with the Ocean – Scuba Diving with his 2 sons were the highlight. They met and kept in touch with many local friends over the years.

But the pain from a back surgery and eventual lack of mobility left Herb in a wheelchair. He spent a few months at Portage La Prairie Hospital -twice, where he was in the Rehab Dept. The Doctors and Nurses were so dedicated and we would like to thank them from the bottom of our hearts.

A special mention belongs to the Home Care Staff, Southern Health – thank you for your visits and help. Herb enjoyed talking about his life stories!

A heartfelt thank you to the Grace Hospital Staff – Emergency and 4th Flr.who kept Herb comfortable to the end!.

Herb passed away peacefully on March 30th/25 – on a sunny Sunday afternoon with family and friends by his side.

WE’LL LOVE AND MISS YOU FOREVER!

A heart of gold stopped beating, hard working hands went to rest,
God took you home to prove to us, he only takes the best.
Heartaches in this world are many, but losing you was worse than any.
It will be lonely here without you. We will miss you more each day, for life will not be the same for us, since you’ve been called away.
We will always remember the way you looked, the way you walked and smiled, all the things you did for us, will be with us all the while.
You always did your best, your heart was true and tender, you lived your life for those you loved and those you loved will remember. Your family.