To view a livestream of the service access https://bethanylutheran.tv/
To view the flowers from Almira’s service, click here: Almira Strate Flowers
Almira Eleanor (Pretzer) Strate, 85, Peoria, Arizona, formerly of Minot, died July 10, 2022, in Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ.
Almira (Mira) was born September 23, 1936, in Voltaire, North Dakota, the daughter of Ernest and Alda (Johnson) Pretzer. She was raised on her father’s family farm in North Prairie, Velva. She attended a one room schoolhouse at North Prairie and attended Velva High School. She then moved to Williston and graduated from Williston High School in 1954 following the death of her mother, Alda, in 1954.
Mira was united in marriage to Larry Strate on June 5, 1954, in Velva. They lived in Stanley briefly before settling in Minot where she spent the majority of her life. Mira raised her three children in Minot and was employed by Minot Public Schools as a librarian at Jefferson and North Hill Elementary schools for 25 years before retiring in 1998. She greatly enjoyed working with the many children at those schools and the friendship of her many coworkers.
Throughout her life in Minot, Mira enjoyed the many friendships with her neighbors. She was a member of Christ Lutheran and Bethany Lutheran churches. Larry and Mira enjoyed dancing at the Elks and Eagles Clubs. Mira made friends easily and was an enthusiastic conversationalist. She was a sharp card player and was a member of a bridge club for many years in Minot. For many years, she supported Larry in farming his family’s homestead south of Velva.
Following the loss of their home in the flood of 2011, Larry and Almira relocated to Peoria, AZ, where they had previously spent many winters enjoying exploring Arizona and spending time with their Arizona grandchildren.
After Larry’s death in June 2012, Mira made her home in Westbrook Village, Peoria, AZ, where she made many new friends and volunteered at the local library.
Throughout her life, Mira maintained a close relationship with her siblings, Arlo (Pat) Pretzer, Wallace (Shari) Pretzer and Bonny (Dr. Lee) Groshong. Together they traveled around the country, spending holidays and special occasions with their many nieces and nephews and their extended families. She cherished these close relationships throughout her life.
Mira was preceded by in death by her parents, her loving husband of 58 years, Larry, son, Dean, and her brother Arlo.
Her surviving family includes, children, William (Janet) Strate, Windsor Heights, IA; Sandra (Dr. Gregory) Whelan, Peoria, AZ; four grandchildren who gave her much pride and joy, Marnie (Nick Strickland) Strate, Cullan (Shelby) Whelan, Sally Whelan, and Jackson Whelan; and her great grandson, Simon Strate Strickland as well as her brother Wallace (Shari) Pretzer of Sartell, MN, and sister, Bonny Groshong of Portland, OR, and her many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life service will be on Friday, October 7, 2022, at 1:00 pm, Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot. To view a livestream of the service access https://bethanylutheran.tv/
Interment: A graveside service will be held at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, immediately following the service.
A Sharing of Memories Reception will be held following the services on Friday, October 7, 2022, at the church.
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