Robert Allan Strainer drove his last nail and roofed his last shed on July 20, 2023 at the age of 90. Robert “Bob” was born in “Moontown” East Helena on April 17, 1933 the sixth of seven children to Anton and Frances Strainer. He learned a strong work ethic at a very young age. Raised by Austrian immigrant parents he told stories of how they would often help heat their home by gathering coal that fell off railcars as they passed by their home.
Bob graduated from Helena High School in 1951 and turned down a preferred walk-on offer in football at Montana State University to pursue a career with the Montana Department of Transportation to help support his family. He would often state that this was the only job he ever had.
In 1953 he married Sharon Penland and they enjoyed nearly 66 years together until her passing in 2019. Together they raised 3 children, Cindy, Rhonda, and Tony. Bob and Sharon took great pride in the fact they built 5 houses with the common goal that the 5th would be bought and paid for when the last nail was driven. Mission accomplished in the fall of 1980.
Bob was drafted into the Korean War in 1953 where he served proudly for 2 years. It was there he learned to be a mechanic. A trade that would serve him well as he worked 38 ½ years with the Montana Department of Transportation Equipment Division. Retiring in 1989 as the Central Shop Supervisor a position he held for the last 20 years of his career.
In 1992 he and mom decided to start another adventure building mini storage barns. A business that would blossom into a 31-year second career. He and mom met many wonderful people during the course of their mini barn business. They loved to see and visit with customers when they were out and about.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife Sharon, daughter Cynthia “Cindy” Buchi, grandson Bobby Buchi, brothers Billy and Ed Strainer, Sisters Maggie Prebil, Dorothy Glass and Babe Murgel. He is survived by his daughter Rhonda Robertson, son Tony (Winnie) Strainer all of Helena, grandchildren Logan Strainer of Missoula, MT, Liesl (Cory Richins) of Utah, Andy (Sidra) Buchi of Missoula, MT, and Spencer (Bethany) of Idaho and sister Betty Herter of Illinois.
The Strainer Family would like to thank the entire staff of ST Peter’s Hospital for the compassionate care dad received during his brief illness with pneumonia.
A celebration of Bob’s life will take place on August 16, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home located at 3750 North Montana Avenue in Helena, Montana. A reception will immediately follow the service at the same location.
A private interment at the Fort Harrison Veterans Cemetery will be held at a later date.
In remembrance of Bob’s life, charitable donations can be made to Helena Area Habitat for Humanity Helena Area Habitat for Humanity – Building Homes, Communities, and Hope in Helena and Rural Montana (helenahabitat.org) or the Lewis & Clark Humane Society Home – Lewis & Clark Humane Society (lchsmontana.org).
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 16, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of His Life
Wednesday August 16, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 16, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of His Life
Wednesday August 16, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Paul Bisom says
Tony, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He looked so good when he was out here delivering James’ shed this Spring, still backing up the trailer like a pro and working side by side with you unloading the shed. He was a great guy and I always enjoyed visiting with him.
RIP Bob. Paul Bisom
Gary Willems says
Tony,
I’m sad to hear of your father’s passing. He was a strict and tough man in a very good way! I know he loved watching you grow up and competing in all sports. We were all better because of him. He’ll be truly missed by many!
Your friend always,
Gary Willems
Darlene Scott says
Tony and Rhonda, we are saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. He and your Mom were such nice people. I knew them from the time I was a young girl and they were always busy building or doing something. Bob, and my Dad were friends since they were kids and worked for many years together at the Hiway Department. Dad and I helped your parents, for many hours, build their home on Custer. You are in our thoughts during this sad time, but I know that you have a million fond memories to get you through.
Norm and Darlene Scott
Mike glueckert says
Bob was a acquaintance of mine as well as Sharon his wife. I had utmost respect for these folks as their work ethic was incredible. So sorry and condolences to all of this great family!
Scott St. Clair says
Rhonda, I have dealt with Bob on several occasions and he was always great to work with. He was a good communicator, good to his word and didn’t take advantage of folks. His talents will be missed. My thoughts are with you and yours. Scott
Curtis Stanghill says
Rhonda, so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Ronda Sewell-Davis says
Rhonda. So sorry your loss. Looks like you were blessed to have him for a long while. Tho I know you’ll miss him….
jim haynes says
Bob you were a wonder neighbor, I will miss seeing you
Bob was a wonderful neighbor I will miss seeing Bob walking missy every morning to get the newspaper. RIP BOB.
&
Rhonda Robertson says
Dear Dad,
It was only a little over three weeks ago we enjoyed 4th of July dinner together and great conversation. I noticed you had a dry cough then, but not one to ever complain about not feeling well I didn’t pursue asking you about it. I know if I had you would have told me you felt fine. I’m struggling to accept that you aren’t here any longer, I miss you so much. I do take comfort in knowing you went the way you wanted, denying any more treatment and to just be comfortable. You are now with Heavenly Father and loved ones that welcomed you into his Kingdom. Until we meet again Dad, know you are in my heart and the wonderful memories of you will flood me with comfort and joy in times of sadness. I love you Dad. Your loving daughter, Rhonda
Pat Ross says
Rhonda, I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Praying our Lord will uphold you during these difficult days. Blessings.
Marvin Page says
I am sorry to hear of your dad’s passing He was a proud veteran and strong in his beliefs. I enjoyed working with him for many years.
Sara Graveley says
Rhonda and family,
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing . Hold on to the joy and his memory in your tender hearts .
Thinking of you with love.,
“ Margie “
Tim Tilton says
Rhonda, Tony and Family,
Please accept our sincerest condolences in these first difficult days. I have been thinking of you and appreciating our very well built storage shed that Bob and Tony delivered to our home many years ago now and reminded of how impressed I was with with the brisk, quiet professional competence to get it rolled into place and leveled that day.
Peace be with you.
Tim and Ann Tilton
Randy and Gail says
Rhonda, Randy and I are so sorry to hear about Bob. He was a great person. Sending our prayers.
Karen Houston says
Rhonda, Tony and family. Your Dad – what a great man. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Cherish the memories and may he rest in peace. Sending you love, hugs and prayers.