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Jun 16, 2011
Harry Straetz – Photo: Facebook
Harold “Harry” James Straetz, 53, of Madison died on June 8 at HospiceCare Inc., after a three-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.
Straetz was born on Aug. 20, 1957, in Milwaukee, the son of Thomas and Anna (Beck) Straetz. In 1967 the family moved to Glidden, where Straetz lived his early life and finished school. In 1987 he graduated from the UW-Superior with a bachelor’s degree in political science. The same year, Straetz moved to Madison to attend UW-Madison Law School. Due to a brief illness, Straetz had to resign from school and pursued a career as a wait staffer and supervisor at various restaurants in Madison, primarily with the Ovens of Brittany Restaurants, Sun Porch, Sun Print and Montes Blue Plate Diner. During this time, Straetz was extensively involved as a volunteer, board member, and for the past nine years as a staff member for LGBT OutReach, Inc., Madison’s LGBT Community Center.
Straetz enjoyed his work, dancing, music, outdoor activities, his friends and family, and his great zest for life. He is survived by his sister Cindy (Aaron) McClaire of Kaukauna; nephews Jake (Pam) McClaire of Kaukauna, Ian (Anna Vandehey) McClaire of Kaukauna, Charles Hauschild of Minneapolis, Tim Hauschild of Seattle, Ed Hauschild of Park Falls; nieces Susan Hauschild of Minneapolis, Holly Mosley of Iowa, Terry Findley, Tammy Brothers, Kimbery Freeman, Fara Lowry and Christy Botsford, all of Attalla, Ala.; Harry’s “Hair-Bear-Care-Team”; Walt Jackson, Robin Gee, Blanka Pinkasova, Josh Bartz, and numerous special friends from over the years.
Memorial services will be held at Gunderson East Funeral Home, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at noon on June 18. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
Memorials may be made to Gilda’s Club of Madison, HospiceCare Inc., and LGBT OutReach.
The family would like to especially thank the doctors, nurses and staff members at UW Hospital Oncology Unit, HospiceCare Inc., and Bellmont Rehabilitation Center.
