Terry L. Strait, Sr.

MADISON - Terry L Strait Sr., age 72, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 22, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison from pneumonia and heart complications.

Terry was born on August 28, 1951, to Don and Dorothy (Lemke) Strait in Madison, Wis. Terry grew up in Oregon, Wis., in a large family of 16. Terry married Ruth (Watters) on September 11, 1969, and together they raised three boys, Terry Jr., Ricky, and Chad.

Terry was a long and short haul truck driver most of his life. He was also a mechanic at Gruenberg Service Center in Madison in the 1990s and was known to do factory work. Terry enjoyed spending time with family and friends, but especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His hobbies included bowling, hunting, watching NASCAR, working on cars when he was able, playing slots on his computer, and he also loved listening to classic country music, Conway Twitty was his favorite. Terry always looked forward to his many trips to Iowa to spend time with his son, Ricky, and his family as well.

Terry was loved by many and will be missed greatly. He had a huge heart, was very kind, and would have given the shirt off his back if someone needed it! Terry would grow his hair out until it was long enough, to be donated on multiple occasions, to make wigs for those in need. Terry was always willing to help family, friends, and neighbors out with anything and everything. Terry was an extremely passionate man and showed great patience and kindness with everyone. He was a genuine people person, and they came to him for his wisdom in everything you could imagine. He loved all people and they just seemed to gravitate toward him. He had a very witty soul and had a fun-loving sense of humor that will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. Terry was a huge animal lover, especially to all their dogs throughout the years. Terry also loved to brag about having his first two grandchildren, Brian Steinbach and Dillion Long, born on his birthday, and they all shared that special day together! Terry loved all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all of his heart!

Terry is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart of 54 years, Ruth; and his three sons, Tyke (Shelly) Strait, Ricky (Paula Hanson) Strait, and Chad (Missy Gossens-Meidl) Strait; special daughter, Dawn Steinbach; grandchildren, Dillion (Sam Boak) Long, Daren Swiatly, Jayden (Len) Roder-Guzman, Brittney (Zach) Bonnema, Ryan Strait, Luke Strait, Zach Gossens, and Katlyn Meidl; great-grandchildren, Jeara, Eric, Jamison, Hudson, Olivia, Lindsey, Artemis, and baby boy due in November. He is further survived by one brother, five sisters, numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews, along with his fur babies, Elvis and Conway. His impact was not limited to family and included many friends and neighbors, including his dear friend, Larry. Terry also looked forward to and enjoyed playing cribbage with his neighbor, Cathy Scott.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; his grandson, Brian Steinbach; many in-laws; and his beloved fur babies, Brandy and Cadi.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Terry at THE MADISON EAGLES CLUB, 2109 Bartillon Drive, Madison. The celebration will take place on November 11, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a service at 11:30 a.m. with the celebration to follow. The family asks that there not be any flowers sent.

Although we loved you dearly

We could not make you stay

A golden heart stopped beating

Hard working hands at rest

God broke our hearts to prove

He only takes the best.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.