THAT SMILE! Joe’s smile illuminated his whole being!
With a remarkable mind that never ceased questioning or creating, a serious twinkle in his eyes, a fearless, adventurous spirit, and a heart that opened to, and touched, anyone who met him…Joe Strekall returned to the loving arms of his Creator on July 7, 2017, in a tragic hiking accident at Yosemite National Park.
How we miss that smile!
There is no doubt that, as he finds peace with the Lord, Joe is thankful for every gift and talent he was blessed with. A prolific writer, creative musician, competitive sportsman, philosopher, and vocal humanitarian, he believed in sharing his abilities to positively impact the world around him. Joe trusted that every word spoken or action taken had a lasting impact.
Born June 17, 1984, in Yakima, WA, Joe’s family moved to Helena, MT, just before his first birthday. Throughout his childhood he thrived on sports, music, and nature, gratefully acknowledging, as an adult, all the people who influenced and encouraged him. He cherished his family and friends! He graduated from Helena High School in 2002, and attended Western Washington University for 2 years. Then, unsure of his path, he chose “life experiences”. While in Washington, Joe worked as a bartender, a waiter, a technical support employee for T-Mobile, and as part of a tree removal service. He relocated to Portland, OR, in 2009, for a position as an electronics repairman. Later, he chose employment as part of the NANO NERDS troubleshooting team for Best Buy. He graduated, with honors, from DeVry University, Portland, in 2014, with a degree in computer networking administration.
Throughout the changes in his life, Joe continued to perfect his music and work at building a career as an electronic “house music” DJ…his moniker: JOEPAMINE. (“Because music makes people feel good!”) He was working on a production company partnership at the time of his death.
Some of the dearest friendships in his life were made in Portland; he was honored there on July 21, 2017, with a beautiful memorial service at Laurelhurst Park.
Joe was preceded in death by his grandfather, Steve Strekall, in 2016. He is survived by his parents, Mike and Brenda, and brother, Ken, Helena, MT, and his grandparents, Helen Strekall, Billings, MT, and Ray and Phyllis Bergeron, Billings, MT. He is also survived by his aunt, Patty (Sonny) Westerman, Billings, MT, cousins, Lisa and Kristen, WY, and aunt, Michelle Patterson, Bradenton, FL, cousins, Jennifer, SC, and Danielle, GA.
A funeral service to honor Joe’s life is planned on August 12, 2017, 12:00 noon, at the Cathedral of St. Helena. A reception will follow the service in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to either: the Bradley Angle center for victims of domestic violence, 5432 N. Albina Avenue, Portland, OR, 97217; bradleyangle.org; or to Grandstreet Theatre, 325 N. Park Avenue, Helena, MT 59601; grandstreettheatre.com.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Joe.
Service Schedule
Funeral Liturgy
12:00 p.m.
Saturday August 12, 2017
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the service
Saturday August 12, 2017
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Julie Massaro says
Mike, Brenda, Ken and all of Joe’s family,
I am so sorry to hear the passing of Joe! What a delight he was! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep his memory alive in your hearts.
Love you all,
Julie Massaro
Tom Juhl says
Dr. Strekall and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss, you are in my prayers………
Karen Rillahan says
Dear Mike, Brenda and Ken,
Love and prayers to all of you. We will see you at the service at the Cathedral.
Kate and Patrick Rillahan
Barbara & Bruce Knutson says
Mike, Brenda and Kenny,
My heart is so sad for your loss. Joe was such a wonderful man. It was fun getting to watch him grow up! You did an amazing job raising him. He is now singing with the Angels and teaching them some of his music? You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love and miss you! Barb and Bruce Knutson
Maureen Fisher says
Dear Dr. Mike, Brenda, Ken and family;
My thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. May Our Lord hold Joe close and send you comfort and His blessings. He must have really needed Joe to call him home so soon. God Bless your entire family during this extremely difficult time.
Candace Millard says
THAT SMILE!
Joe was not only one of my truest friends, Joe was my #406 little brother. He could light up the darkest corners of sadness with his amazing Smale and chase all negativity away with his laugh. A gentleman of honor and decorum, Joe believed that ladies should be treated as such, no matter the circumstances. He stood for what was right and made us all feel safe and loved.
I will miss our beloved Joe. For the rest of my days. I know I’ll be with him again when the sun sets on my time here and I’m called home. Until then, I’ll do my very best to carry on his amazing standards of being an epic human.
Mom, Dad, and Kenny! I love you three with all of my heart! Until we hug again… my souls sings to you from Portland! XO
Candace
Connie and Tim Ferriter says
Dr. Strekall and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your son. Words cannot express your loss. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. He is in the arms of the Lord. God Bless you all. Our prayers Re with you.
Connie and Tim Ferriter
Marsha Alsbury says
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Such a loss for us but what a gain for Heaven
Mary Runkel says
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Cheryl and Kirk Hanson says
Our hearts are breaking for all of you… what a terribly sad loss of such a young and vibrant person!
Paul and Becky Donaldson says
Mike, Brenda, Ken and all who loved and celebrated Joe’s time here among us – hIs passing is a tragic loss for all of us who have come to know and love him. HIs passing has come far too soon. Will be carrying you all close in our hearts.
Roxanne Durden-White says
My condolence to you and your family Dr. Strekall and Brenda. I’m so sad to hear about your Joe. I’m so glad that when we did run into each other, like at the soccer fields and school events or just around Helena, that we could share our children’s fun moments.
Jim and Peg Chamberlain says
We are holding you in our hearts dearest Strekalls. Sending you love, prayers and hugs- so very sorry to hear about beautiful Joe.
Devon Holden says
Joe was such a wonderful man. I still remember his goofy smile and comments that would make everyone smile and laugh throughout high school. He was always caring and was open to conversation at anytime. We will miss you Joe!
Scott Sykes says
I have so many wonderful memories of Joe and was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I’ll fondly remember him as a dedicated teammate, supportive brother, and kind friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marie Moran says
Brenda, Mike and Kenny, I am so very sorry about Joe passing away. You’ll be in my prayers.
Londa Burns says
Brenda, Mike and Kenny, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you. Londa Burns
Diane Carpenter says
Dear Mike, Brenda and Kenny, so sorry to hear about your son. My family is praying for you and asking God to give you peace, knowing Joe is in heaven and is now an angel watching over all of you. Love you all, the Carpenter family, Diane, Val, Kendy, Becky, Daniel and Scott
Sue Hart says
Mike,Brenda,Kenny,
So sorry to hear about you son Joe. Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
Michelle Patterson says
Dearest Nephew. The most painful goodbyes seem to be the ones that are never said – and never explained. Your passing is unimaginable. This we know for sure: our family loved you a lot … but God loved you more. You will be missed each and every day and unquestionably our world is better because you were in it. And so, dear Joe, your song may have ended but your melody will linger on. And although we can no longer see you with our eyes or hear you with our ears, we will feel you in our hearts … forever. Auntie Shelley and Rob
Shari Brownback says
Dr. Strekall and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Shari
Teresa Sturm (formerly Teresa Biltoft says
2 Ridgewood Ct
Teresa Sturm (formerly Teresa Biltoft says
Dr Strekall and family.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your son Joe. I will be praying for you and your family during this very difficult time. Hold on to all the cherished memories. Take care and God bless 3
Jane Manly says
I am shocked and so saddened by your tragic loss. My heart felt condolence to all of you. Mike, Brenda, and Kenny I am so sorry.
Ray and Phyllis Bergeron says
Dear Bren, Mike and Ken,
Our grandson was very special to us. There will never be a moment when we won’t remember Joe. He was fun, loved his family and friends, was exceptionally intelligent and always wanted to learn and try every aspect of life.
He hated bugs and spiders (inherited from his Grandma) and we used to laugh about it.
Our whole family is devastated over this terrible tragedy but we know Joe is safe and in God’s hands.
We love you and will always miss you, Joe.
Much Love and Hugs, Mom and Dad
Bill and Marsha Davis Family says
Dear Mike, Brenda, Ken and family,
There are no words to express how deeply saddened we are to hear about your loss of Joe. We extend to each of you our deepest and heartfelt sympathy. There is no more loving, kind, and strong family than the Strekall family, and we know Joe’s beautiful spirit is forever with each of you. God bless you all and give you strength.
Love from the Davis Family
Jim McGrane says
Mike, Brenda, Kenny, and family:
We extend our deepest sympathy. May the many pleasant memories help you during this tragic loss .
Jim and Susan McGrane
Susan Nimick says
Brenda, Mike, and Kenny,
I am so, so sorry to hear about your tragic loss of Joe. My thoughts and sympathy are with you during this difficult time.
Susan Nimick
Traci Merzlak says
Brenda, Mike, & Kenny,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
May your memories keep you moving forward.
Hugs to all of you,
Traci Merzlak
Rita and Keith Schumacher says
Dr. Strekall, Brenda and Ken, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and I am so sorry for your loss. My just knowing that you have so many friends and family the care so deeply, give you some sort of comfort. God Bless.
Marla Duncan says
I am so sorry to read this Brenda, Mike, and Kenny. My prayers are with you, my arms around you. May God give you strength, peace, and understanding.
Cari and Duane Paige says
I am sorry Dr. Strekall and Family. Great obit; he was an awesome man.
Marilyn Pope Jurenka says
Brenda and Mike, I was sadden to hear of the loss of your son! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Aimee Muffick says
Mike, Brenda and Kenny,
My love and prayers for you all as you move through this difficult time. Joe was so fun to be around and such a positive man! He is bringing his music to new heights now. Thinking of you all.
Katie Spalinger says
Mike, Brenda, and Kenny: I have many memories of Joe which go all the way back to elementary school at Smith and end of the year parties at your home. I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was a wonderful person. I am thinking of your family during this difficult time.
Jeffrey Edelen says
Joe. My buddy! Joe and I played doubles together in high school. He was an excellent partner… you could usually count on his serve and on strong forehands. I had the chance to spend many days with Joe over the seasons we played together and we all enjoyed his great attitude. I called Joe “Strekemania” for his insane energy on the court. I recall one day when we had few players at practice so Joe and I played a singles match. We stayed late to finish a long long tie breaker… he wouldn’t give up. I lost the match, but it was worth it to compete against Joe. Huge loss here, but we’re all richer for having known Stekemania. I will never forget him. -Jeff Edelen
Reuben Vold says
Strekalls, you were great neighbors to my brother and I growing up. Your two boys were always nice to us and so welcoming when we moved to Helena. It is surprising and saddening to hear about Joe, and you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Reuben Vold
Steve and Joan Nicholls says
Mike and family so sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.
Maureen OReilly says
Mike, Brenda & Kenny…
We are so sorry to hear about Joe…please take care of each other…the road will be difficult & strewn with memories…take the memories and hold them dear.
Rene O’Reilly & Dale Chamberlain
Sarah Carlson says
Dear Dr. Strekall, Brenda, & Kenny:
So sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
-Sarah Carlson & Chuck Council (we lived across the alley from your family when you lived in the yellow house.)
Doug and Linda Vold says
Mike, Brenda, Kenny:
Our hearts go out to you in this time of unimaginable sorrow and loss. We have such fond memories of you all from our time as your next-door neighbors. Thank you for being the kind of people you are. We hold you in our thoughts and prayers these difficult days, and entrust you into the care of the great mystery we call God. May the One who knew both cross and resurrection, in time bring comfort and hope to you all.
Shirley Lawrence Larson says
Brenda and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. I’m sure it is a great comfort to you to know that he is in an awesome place and you will be with him again some day. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
donnie and Ed Sexton says
We were so sorry to hear of your loss – a life taken too soon! May the love of family and friends and the good Lord keep you strong.
Donnie and Ed Sexton
Janelle Balazs says
Brenda, Mike and Kenny I have no special words except I love you all and I am so sorry.
Dave and Elaine Nelson says
Mike, Brenda and Kenny,
We are very sad to hear of Joe’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s entire family. We wish we could be there to celebrate his life and hear of the many stories of his adventures. From what I’ve read, Joe touched the lives of many and gave much to earn the respect and love from family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all he has touched. Much Love and God Bless!
Michael & Kathryn Becker says
Mike, Brenda and Ken: We are so saddened to hear of Joe’s untimely passing. Our deepest condolences to all of you and your family. Thinking back to the dinner we had in Portland with all of you and Joe, I can still remember his smile and energy as he talked about his plans for the future. He will be missed.
Our love to all of you.
~ Michael & Kathryn
Kathleen Hunthausen says
Brenda, Mike, and Kenny,
I am so, so, sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers are with you.
Lowell Wollitz says
Mike, Brenda and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You raised a great son, he was a pleasure to be with and always had a great sense of humor and personality. He will be missed by all who knew him. All our love to you and all of your family. Lowell and Linda
Doretta Hofland says
Dear Brenda, Mike and Kenny,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your son and brother. May your wonderful memories bring you comfort in the days to come. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nathan Heinitz says
Mike, Brenda & Kenny-
My thoughts are with you guys- so sorry to hear of the loss of Joe. I will always be grateful for the tennis games we played and the adventures we shared. Prayers your way-
Steve & Marci Lynn says
Dear Mike, Brenda and family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of your tragic loss, and our hearts and prayers go out to you. We have such great memories of Joe and Dan doing the doubles partner thing in tennis during Dan’s final season, and enjoyed getting to know you as well. Joe sounds like he had become a fantastic young man, of whom you can be very proud. Many blessings and God’s peace to your entire family.
Carol Martin says
I am so very sorry to hear about Joe. I’m praying that all the sweet memories will warm your hearts every day and bring a special peace. So many thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
Colleen Hallberg says
My Mother’s heart is broken for your loss. Joe had a twinkle in his eye whenever I saw him. What a joy he certainly was. As you go through this you will be reminded in many different ways that Joe was very special to so many and how his spirit affected those he touched. My love and prayers go out to you.
Marci Heigh says
Brenda, Mike and Kenny,
I can not find the right words to express how sorry I am for your loss. I remember Joe when I worked at SAF. Joe was so wise for his age, so personable and full of life. I always enjoyed taking with him. You will be in my thoughts, sending you love and support.
Deb Rainey says
Mike, Brenda and Kenny
We are sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Are thoughts and prayers are with you.
Deb Rainey and Jim Maher
Deb Rainey says
It has been a while since Joe has lived in Helena but it’s has always been fun when we talked to find out how Joe was doing.
Deb
Jon Patterson says
Brenda, Mike,& Kenny, So sorry to hear about Joe. He was a wonderful young man. I guess he went doing what he loved, being in the outdoors like his Grandpa Steve.
Our prayers and thought go out to you all. Time and the Lord’s Grace heal all pain.
Uncle Jon & Cheryl
Bruce & Pauline Benson says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bryan and joan lewis says
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Abby Erholm says
Dear Strekall family,
Joe and I were close for a time when he lived in Bellingham. I have many fond (and hilarious) memories of Joe that I will never forget. He always spoke with immense pride and love for his family.
I was so sad to hear of his passing, much too young.
With deepest sympathy,
Abby
Susan Deming says
Brenda, Mike, and Ken,
I have moved from Helena and just learned of Joe’s tragic death. I cannot imagine what you must feeling. Please know that I will pray for you everyday.