Marilee Elizabeth Strenge was born in Cherokee, IA on December 11, 1937, only daughter of Marius Maxine “Stub” and Ruth Elizabeth (Flanigan) Streeter. She spent her youth in the Cherokee area and received her early schooling there. When her family moved to Melvin IA, she continued her education at Melvin Community School.

    On July 14, 1953, Marilee was united in marriage to Daryl John Strenge in Cherokee. They made their home near Melvin where Daryl was engaged in farming. Four children would make their family complete: Steve, Mike, Karen and Matthew.

    Along with helping Daryl on the farm and caring for her growing family, Marilee gave back to her community by being a 4-H Judge at the Osceola County Fair, belonging to the Sibley Hospital Auxiliary, and sitting on the board of the Melvin Public Library – a place she frequently visited. She was also an active member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Sanborn, IA, serving as a CCD Teacher and helping on other committees and programs within the church.

    When her children were in school, Marilee made it a point to be involved in their activities and attend their events and programs. In the summer, she tended a big vegetable garden; canning or freezing the produce for everyone to enjoy during the winter months. She also loved to cook and bake, so you could always find something good to eat in Marilee’s kitchen. Handwork was another of her special talents – over the years, she would knit or crochet many beautiful keepsakes for her kids and grandkids. Other favorite pastimes included reading, sewing or playing the piano. In later years, she and Daryl enjoyed traveling together, taking one-day road excursions or going on short trips with their good friends. Yet, no matter what she did or was involved in, her family came first. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, always there to lend a hand or be an understanding listener. Her ready sense of humor kept life’s problems in perspective…she will surely be missed by all who knew and loved her.

    On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Marilee was reunited with loved ones who had gone before: her parents, Stub and Ruth; her brothers: Michael Streeter and Gene Streeter; grandson, Seth Strenge; and sister-in-law, RobN Streeter.

    Keeping her memory close in heart are her husband of 71 years, Daryl of Melvin, IA; her children: Steve Strenge (Maria Elena) of Centerville, OH, Mike Strenge of Milford, IA, Karen Preusser (Marty Preusser), and Matthew Strenge (Hannah Reha) all of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren: Rina Strenge (Travis Foster), Neleka Strenge (Max Dygert) all of Las Vegas, NV, Eric Strenge of  Newton, IA, Jorge Rodriguez of Dayton, OH, Alec (Taylor) Strenge of Sioux Falls, SD, Ben Preusser of Los Alamos, NM, Hannah Preusser of Winona, MN, and Caitlin Preusser of Pittsburgh, PA; five great-grandchildren; other relatives and many dear friends.