Anthony “Tony” Stremcha was born at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Havre, MT to Richard and Carolyn Stremcha July 15, 1963. He was raised in Havre with his sister Tami.
Tony attended Havre Public Schools, graduating in 1982 from Havre High School. Tony was baptized and made confirmation in the Lutheran Church. During his formative years always wanting to earn extra spending money he had a variety of jobs, paper delivery, yard maintenance, hired hand to North Havre farmers (especially his uncle, Paul Patera, who also hired him to blow insulation into homes). In his Senior year he worked as a Service Station Attendant.
After High School he became a part-time student at Northern Montana College Havre and worked for his uncle, Vernon Stremcha, at Vern’s Auto Electric. He joined the Army in January of 1984 and was honorably discharged in 1987. Upon returning home he joined the Montana National Guards in January 1987 and went back to work at Vern’s Auto Electric.
In February of 1988 he married Janet Robinson of Havre. Their son Nicholas arrived in 1989 and daughter Katherine in 1991. In 1994 he went to work at the BNSF Railroad in Havre as an Electrician.
In November 2003 the Havre Guard unit was called to duty in Iraq and Tony served in Falluja Iraq until November of 2004. Upon return to Havre, Tony went back to work on the railroad. Tony and Janet were divorced in August of 2004. Due to the diagnosis of PTSD the VA and Railroad gave him a Medical Disability. In 2011 he entered Great Falls Hospital, was transferred to the VA Hospital in Fort Harrison, a Helena Rest Home, and then Montana Veteran’s Home in Columbia Falls. In 2013 he entered independent living in Helena to remain near the VA Center.
Tony married Katherine Hankinson of Helena, MT in Feb 2017. That year they bought a home in the suburbs of N W Helena. In Feb 2023 he suffered a fall that fractured his ribs and entered the V A Hospital at Fort Harrison. Tony then was sent to the Elkhorn Health Care Home at Clancy, MT for 6 weeks of rehab. He continued having falls and remained a resident at Elkhorn.
Jan. 19, 2024 with Covid and a fall that caused 2 brain bleeds he was taken to Saint Peter’s Hospital in Helena. He would remain in the hospital until Jan 25th. He was put on Hospice and returned to Elkhorn. Tony departed our earthly home on Feb. 11th to enter his heavenly home.
Tony is survived by his wife Katherine (Kathy) of Helena, Stepson James Hankinson of Hermiston, OR, Son Nicholas Stremcha, Daughter Katherine (Nick) Daniel, Grandson Jayson Stremcha all of Havre, Mother Carolyn Stremcha of Great Falls, Sister Tami (Shawn) Big knife, Nephew Carson Big Knife, Great Niece Vivian Big Knife all of Madras OR, Nephew Quinton Big Knife of La Grande, OR, Aunts and Uncles Larry Stremcha of CA, Mary Ann (Pat) Trumpour, Robert (Lela) Patera of Havre and God Mother Georgia Chinadle., Ft. Benton. Along with numerous Cousins. He was preceded in death by his Father Richard Stremcha, Grandmother Grace (Stremcha) Williams, Grandfather Joe (Kohout) Stremcha, Grandparents Anton and Ida Patera. Uncles Vern Stremcha, James Patera, Paul Patera, Aunt Patrica Stremcha and God Father Allan Chinadle.
“Like a bird out of our hand.
Like a light out of our heart.
You are gone.” H.D. Hymen, Collected Poems, 1925
Memorials are suggested to the Montana Wounded Warriors, PO BOX 5519, Kalispell, MT 59903 or to the Friends of Beavercreek Park, P.O. Box 2604 Havre, MT 59501
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave in Helena. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will take place at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Tony.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 20, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday February 20, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Tuesday February 20, 2024
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 20, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday February 20, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Tuesday February 20, 2024
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Share
Bruce Patera says
We are terribly sorry to learn of the loss of your loved one,Tony. Please accept our thoughts, prayers, and condolences.
Bruce and Jean Patera
Cheri Clifford says
Kathy, we are thinking of you and Tony’s family.
Larry and Cheri Clifford
Georgia Chinadle says
So very sad to hear that Tony has passed. Maybe he and his dad and Allen are having a good ole visit together ❤️.
To all his family I share my sympathy with you all. Live to you.
Georgia Chinadle says
So sad to hear that Tony has passed. Loved that godson of ours.
I know he will be missed by many.
Love to you all.
Brandell Ceynar-Burcham says
My condolences to the family. May the Lord give you comfort, strength and healing during this time.
Wendy Rismon says
Tami & family,
I am so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Alvin and Val Stremcha says
So sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. Alvin remembers having some good visits with Tony while he worked in the diesel shop. Tony called one Christmas season just to touch base with us. He and I visited for a long time. He was a kind person and will be missed. Our prayers are with you all.
Mark A Leyba says
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Families and Friends of Tony. I had the honor to work alongside him at BNSF Havre Diesel for many years. He was a very intelligent Locomotive Electrician and passed extensive knowledge to his co-workers and apprentices. The sad news of his passing has been in conversations of fond memories at the Diesel shop amongst those that know him. I was fortunate to have considered Tony a Friend and will remember him honorably. Mark A. Leyba Havre MT
Linda and John Warburton says
So sorry to hear about your loss praying for the families 🙏 may God be with you all in Jesus name Amen.
Dan Williams says
I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to Tony’s family.
Tony and I worked at Vern’s Auto together for the time Tony worked there we were coworkers and became very good friends.
I would like to share memory of Tony that will last my lifetime.
Tony was working on a car and I was rewinding an electric motor next to him. He was trying to get the hood of this car open and it wouldn’t release the more he tried the more he swore ( the military must have special training on swearing) it was entertaining and astounding.
He finally called me over to see if I could help I went over pulled the release one time and the hood popped open. Tony looked at me red faced mad ( what did you do if this car was mine I would weld the hood shut and when it needed an oil change I would trade it off).
Tony my dear friend rest easy
Tera Cook says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Kathy you are a wonderful wife, friend and caregiver. Prayers and love to you.
Jed & Marlyn Damson says
Sorry for Tonys passing as a fellow veteran and co-worker at the diesel shop we talked many time even a ride home We will truly miss a good friend . Marlyn and Jed Damson
JoAnne Strong says
I am so very sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. I have a lot of memories of growing up that involve Tony. May you rest in peace.
Dean Amor says
So sorry to hear that Tony has passed my thoughts and prayers are with you all
Randy Ellis says
Deepest condolences to the family. I knew Tony since childhood and he was a good person. Lost touch over the years but express my gratitude to him for his service to our country and his contribution to family & community. May he rest with The Prince of Peace, Jesus our Lord , amen…