Joseph H. Strathman, 82, Baileyville, Kansas, died Wednesday, February 7, 1996, the result of a pedestrian/vehicle accident on US Highway #36 west of Baileyville. He was taken to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca by ambulance where he died shortly after arrival.

He was born August 13, 1913, on a farm south of Seneca, the son of Frank C. and Josephine Burdick Strathman. When he was six years old, he moved with his family to a farm south of Baileyville. He attended the Center School and Sacred Heart School at Baileyville. He also helped on the family farm.

On September 15, 1938, he married Rita Holthaus at Sacred Heart Church at Baileyville. They lived and farmed north of Baileyville for three years. In 1941, they moved to a farm southwest of Baileyville where they farmed, raised livestock and had a dairy. Joe retired from farming in 1980 and built they built their present home west of Baileyville. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Rita, his wife of 57 years, survives of the home in Baileyville.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, the St. Joseph Society at the church, and was on the building committee when the new church was built in 1952. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #1769 at Seneca for over 50 years and bowled at the Knights for over 25 years. He was on the Nemaha County Co-op Board from 1973 to 1982, Black Vermillion Water Shed Board from 1961 to 1973, and Baileyville School Board. His special concern and interests were always his grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening, taking care of his yard, and traveling. Joe was a well-respected man and will be missed by all in the community.

Survivors are his wife, Rita, seven sons, Leo Strathman of Goff, Larry Strathman of Centralia, Jerry Strathman, Gene Strathman, Richard Strathman, Roger Strathman all of Baileyville, Joe Strathman of Axtell; two daughters, Arlene Holthaus and Sheril Bergman, both of Seneca; two brothers, Adrian Strathman of Seneca and Galen Strathman of Baileyville; four sisters, Frances Kramer, Agatha Strathman, Darlene Haug, all of Seneca and Mary Kay Fangman of Topeka; 45 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two grandchildren; Sherri Strathman on March 27, 1968 and Greg Strathman on July 3, 1975; Sisters Eileen and Berniece Strathman, and recently by his brother, Sylvester Strathman on January 6, 1996.

The rosary was prayed at the Lauer Funeral Home on Thursday and Friday, February 8 & 9, 1996. The mass of Christian burial was Saturday, February 10, 1996 at Sacred Heart Church. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be given for Sacred Heart Church or Citizens for Life and sent in care of the family.