Leo Strecker, age 90 of Bismarck, ND, formerly of Underwood, ND, died Friday,
November 17, 2006 at his home.

Funeral Services: 10:30 AM Wednesday, November 22, 2006;
Cornerstone Community Church, 111 E. Wachter Ave., Bismarck, ND;
Rev. Keith Ritchie, Officiating;
Interment: North Dakota Veterans Cemetery -south of Mandan, ND;
Military Rites provided by the V.F.W. Honor Guard of Bismarck.

Visitation: 1 hour prior to time of service at the church

Leo Ervin Strecker was born July 9, 1916 at Washburn, ND the son to Christ & Magdalena (Groz) Strecker. He was raised on his parent's farm and attended rural school near Washburn. Leo married Alma Bietz on September 28, 1941 at Underwood, ND. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1942. He served as a Medical Tech #409 with the 46th General Hospital Division during World War II. During his time of service, he toured Africa, Southern France, and Rhineland, and received numerous service stripes, two Bronze Battle Stars, and three Good Conduct Medals. He was honorably discharged in September 1945. Leo returned to Underwood, ND where he was employed at the Coast to Coast Store. He then worked as a foreman at McLean Dairy for 12 years. Leo finished his employment as a heavy equipment operator and Leadman (foreman) for the North Dakota Department of Transportation where he worked for 20 years. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Underwood and held the positions of Sunday School teacher, Superintendent, Deacon, Trustee, & Secretary. Leo was a 30 year member of the Underwood Volunteer Fire Department and held the position of Secretary/Treasurer for 18 years. He also served on the Underwood City Commission for many years and was a volunteer member of the Underwood Ambulance Squad. Leo and Alma moved to Bismarck, ND in December 1994. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, hunting, camping, fishing, and boating. Leo's greatest joy came from spending time with family, especially his only grandchild, Melissa.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alma Strecker of Bismarck, ND; daughter & son-in-law, Karen & Curtis Nutz of Queen Creek, AZ; son & daughter-in-law, Alan & Judy Strecker of Bismarck, ND; granddaughter, Melissa (Jason) Karlovic of Queen Creek, AZ; one great-grandson, Jack Curtis Karlovic (born Oct. 31, 2006); one sister, Esther Reimers of Bismarck, ND; two sister-in-laws, Bernice Strecker of Spokane, WA & Joyce Strecker of Clarksville, TN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers (Walter, Marvin, Reuben, & Melvin)
& 2 sisters (Erna Cumiford & Bernice Wagner Strecker).