Theresa Mae Strassburg

Theresa Mae Strassburg, age 73, died on Tuesday morning August 15, 2023. She left this earth peacefully in her sleep knowing the love of her family and friends. “Grandma T” as she was so affectionately known by many, was born June 7, 1950, to Gerald and Ethel (Stone) Fermanich, in Antigo, WI.  She grew up in Mattoon, then moved to Wausau where she spent most of her adult life and raised her two children. Following the birth of her first grandchild in 2004, Theresa moved to the Appleton area in order to be near her grandchildren who were the pride and joy of her life.

 

Theresa was a social butterfly who had a wide network of friends, family, coworkers, and people who just enjoyed knowing she was in their circle.  She was a positive force of faith, gratitude, and joy to so many people.  Her strong faith in God was the foundation for her life providing strength and guidance to everything she did.

 

Theresa was passionate about her family as they were the center of her world. She loved to attend any and every event in which her grandchildren participated. As “the biggest fan” of her grandchildren, she was always there to support them!  She was the ever-present roadie for all of their events.

 

The annual family reunion and family Christmas party were highlights of every year.  Time spent with her siblings was filled with love and laughter and together they enjoyed many trips. Theresa especially loved her fall trips to the North Woods, to see the colors. As the leaves turned those stellar colors, she was always reminded of the magnificent promises of God.

 

In her younger years, Theresa was an accomplished bowler.  Many of the friends she made through bowling, became life-long friends with whom she maintained contact throughout her life.  She also loved playing cards and games with her friends and family. Theresa loved to play Yahtzee with her grandchildren and would not allow a “mercy win.” 

 

Theresa is survived by her children: Mark (Heather) Strassburg and Sarah (Lee) Copeland; and her grandchildren: Emma, Dominick, Ava, and Aleena. In addition, she is survived by her siblings: Jim (Judy) Fermanich, Don (Cathy) Fermanich, Kathy Fermanich, Mary Lombardo, Betty Stephanie, Joe (Kathy) Fermanich, Karen Fermanich, Gerri Fermanich, John (Debbie) Fermanich and Carol (Rick) Mattmiller; brother-in-law: Peter Steckbauer; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and family.

 

Preceding her in passing are her parents Gerald and Ethel; siblings: Wesley Fermanich, Bob Fermanich and Donna Steckbauer as well as brothers-in-law Tom Lombardo and Royce Stephanie.

 

A funeral mass for Theresa will take place on Tuesday August 22, 2023, at 12:00pm at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 600 E Kimberly Ave, Kimberly.  Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:30am until the start of mass. She will be laid to rest at Holy Family Cemetery in Mattoon at a later date.

 

The family would like to thank the team of professionals from ThedaCare at Home as well as the ThedaCare Cancer team for their excellent care of Mom-they were a literal army of people who lifted her up, encouraged her and supported her. Her sister Gerri was a consistent angel here on earth ensuring she was well cared for. Also special thanks to the many friends and family who were so faithful to care for her, visit her, play cards with her, and share a meal with her these recent months.