Myrtle "Myrt" Mary (Strassman) Kirchner

Myrtle M. (Strassman) Kirchner, age 98 of Clintonville, passed away Saturday afternoon, November 13, 2021 at ThedaCare Medical Center, Shawano, WI following a stroke at home days earlier.

The former Myrtle “Myrt” Mary Strassman was born on May 27, 1923 in the Township of Texas, Marathon County, WI; daughter to the late Henry & Helena (Borman) Strassman. She was baptized on September 2, 1927 and confirmed April 5, 1936 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Town of Wausau, Marathon County, WI. Myrt graduated from Wausau High School with the class of 1941. She was later united in marriage to Harland H. Kirchner on November 24, 1945 at St. Martin Lutheran Church in Clintonville, WI, of which Myrt was a current member. Harland and Myrt owned and operated Crystal Fountain Dairy on Main Street in Clintonville from 1944 to 1989. Myrt was the first president of the Waupaca County Homemakers Club in 1951 and volunteered at the Red Cross Blood Bank for many years. She devoted much of her spare time to St. Martin Lutheran Church. Myrt served as a charter member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (L.W.M.L.) when they formed in 1963, and was the first chairman. She also served as the North Wisconsin L.W.M.L. District as the corresponding secretary from 1962 – 1966. She was also a long-time member of the Ladies Aid group through the church, serving many funeral lunches over the years, and serving as president and treasurer. When she was not working or serving at church, Myrt loved documenting, family genealogy, reading, history, and many different card games. She enjoyed working in her garden and volunteering for mission projects over the years, including, making plastic mats and lap blankets for Orphan Grain Train. She also enjoyed participating with the Clintonville Historical Society and spending time with family at their Legend Lake cottage. At 98, Myrt was mentally sharp and physically active, living independently and self-sufficient. She was a surrogate mom and mentor to many others who had lost their parents and who sought wise counsel or friendly assurance. She served as a vital connection that bridged relations between relatives and friends.

Myrt is survived by: 
Sons: Donald (Peg) Kirchner, Appleton, WI & John (Phaela) Kirchner, Tierra Verde, FL
Daughter: Nancy (Arnold) Roberts, Memphis, TN
Grandchildren: Jeremy (Felicity) Wolfrom, Lisa (Aaron) Snoeberger, Eric Kirchner, Emmie (Nick) Carpenter, Matthew Kirchner, Michael (Kate) Kirchner, & Sara (Craig) Hendrick
Great-grandchildren: Nola Wolfrom, Finn Wolfrom, Deanna Snoeberger, Jeremiah Snoeberger, Ava Carpenter, Alexandra Kirchner, twins Andrew Kirchner & Nathan Kirchner, Melanie Hendrick & Nicholas Hendrick
Sisters-in-law: Ruth Deegan, Mildred Strassman, Betty Kirchner, Grace Kirchner, & Marjean Strassman

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harland; a daughter, Paula J. Wolfrom; & a son-in-law, Wayne Wolfrom. She was the last surviving sister of ten Strassman siblings: Viola, Herbert, Arthur, Evelyn, Ervin, Arline, Anton, Myrtle, Vernice and Elroy.
 
Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, November 19, 2021 at St. Martin Lutheran Church, Clintonville, with the Rev. Brian Weber officiating. Inurnment will take place at St. Martin Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Larrabee, WI in the summer of 2022.

Visitation will be held Friday at the church from 9 AM until the time of service at 11 AM. 

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville, WI is assisting the Kirchner family.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.