Kenneth Strecker

Kenneth Strecker, 88, passed away peacefully on December 9th, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Kenneth, son of Albert and Martha “Bender” Strecker, was born on August 12, 1932, in Russell, Kansas. Kenneth spent his early years in Russell, Kansas then later moved with his parents and brother to Colorado Springs, CO, where he resided until going to seminary. Among his academic highlights was his PhD in Theology. He later married Nancy when they adopted two children, Mary and Steve. Over the years they resided in Omaha, NE, Waterloo, IA, then West Des Moines, IA, where Kenneth met Mary Perry whom he later married. Kenneth and Mary moved to Memphis, TN, and Atlanta, GA, before settling in Milwaukee, WI. In June, 2020, they moved to Des Moines, IA. Kenneth served as a Lutheran Pastor his entire career. He and Mary resided in Milwaukee, WI for over 40 years and were active at the Resurrection Lutheran Church. He was a much loved pastor and friend. He and Mary enjoyed their movie group with all of their friends. Kenneth was also an avid runner. He ran almost every day until he was in his early 80’s! He went to the YMCA most mornings at 5:00 am with a few friends waiting for them to open. He enjoyed his companionships and said it was just him and the other guys standing around “kicking rocks.” He also loved classical music and had many favorite composers. He would put headphones on his daughter Mary and make her listen to the entire soundtrack of Jesus Christ Superstar. Kenneth and his daughter took a trip to London a few years ago to see Mama Mia in the West End as ABBA was one of his favorite bands. He also attended a premier of a movie his daughter was in and met Martin Landau. Other things Kenneth loved to do was travel with his wife Mary. They loved Japan and all things Japanese. He even spoke some Japanese and studied Greek. They loved to spend their winters together at their vacation homes in Arizona and Florida. Kenneth also loved food, especially sushi. He enjoyed going out to eat and trying new places. Kenneth was a proud liberal. One of his most prized possessions was a signed copy of President Obama’s first book. Kenneth was also a wood worker like his father and made furniture for many people. Kenneth was a kind man and had an infectious laugh. He had a huge heart and counseled countless people. He loved his family very much, but especially loved being a grandpa. He would visit his grandchildren quite often and took them to Great America on several occasions. Kenneth is survived by his wife Mary Strecker of Des Moines; son Steve Strecker of New Berlin, WI and daughter Mary Douglass of Lincoln, NE; granddaughters Billie Douglass (Dominque Mack), Corrinne Douglass and Camden Douglass also residing in Lincoln, NE; sister-in-law Beverly Strecker of Colorado Springs, CO; nephew David Strecker; step-children John (Laurie) Perry of Rochester, NY and their children David and Seth Perry, Elizabeth (Jim) Wymore of Bettendorf, IA and their children Kate (Tim) Blader, Clare Gavin, and Timmy and Marty Blader, Alex (Brian) Rausch and their children Molly and Jane, Lauren (Luke) Lester and their son Andy Lester, Jennifer (Richard) of Des Moines, Martha Early and her husband Matt Miller and their children Eva, Alex, and Lucy Miller, and Sam (Stephanie) and their children Louise and Isaac Early. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Jim Strecker and his niece Elaine Strecker. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the family or you can mail them to Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home and they will get them to the family. There are no services at this time.