Susan Strenk

Susan Jean Strenk, 64, Lost her battle with COPD on February 8 and is now resting peacefully in the arms of her Heavenly Father for all eternity. Sue was born on November 2, 1958 to Ruth and Allen Jansen in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She graduated Hamilton High in 1976 and spent one year studying music in Schenectady NY where, through a series of odd-but-true circumstances met the love of her life, married, had 2 children, and ended up back where she started in good old Wisconsin. She spent over 20 years as the best darn insurance claims processer and manager for Aetna Insurance and then moved on to manage the affairs of Penebaker Enterprises. Sue loved game shows, reality TV, and of course the Gilmore Girls. Sue had a sweet spirit and a loving heart that was open to anyone needing a place to hide, stay, or just a good meal and a place to vent. One never knew who might show at a Holiday meal. Sue always went out of her way to help others, even when she was physically disabled herself. Her eating habits were legendary. She would not, could not, did not cook and it's rumored that she has not eaten anything new since 1962. But she loved baking cookies, brownies, anything sweet. If you were coming into the Strenk household in December you'd better be coming bearing a frosting knife. She took the Strenk sugar cookie recipe to a whole new level. They were as tasty as they were ugly, as she allowed anyone wielding a knife to decorate their cookies any way they pleased. She was often heard saying, "We don't care what they look like, as long as they are tasty". Sue is survived by her husband Bill, sister Mary (Duane), sisters-in-law Marcia (Mark), Michelle, brother-in-law Tom (Beth), daughters Melanie (Byron), Sherry (George), Tawny (Scott), semi-adopted son Chris Brooks, granddaughters Shelby (Jordan), Chase (Dani), Emma, and Sammy, nieces Lara (Randy), Sarah (Scott), Valerie (Travis), nephews Brian (Dale), Donald (Shelley), Ryan, Eric (Stephanie), Matt, and Tyler (Lindsey). She is preceded in death by her sister Pat (Larry) and brother-in-law Mike. Visitation will be held at Schramka Borgwardt Funeral Home (11030 W. Forest Home Ave, Hales Corners) Thursday, February 16th from 4-6 PM followed by a service. Come join us, not to mourn her death as she is still alive with the Father, instead we'll gather to celebrate her life and all those she touched.