Francis J. "Frank" Stremel

Francis J. “Frank” Stremel

Francis J. “Frank” Stremel, 84, Hays, died Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at HaysMed.

He was born December 15, 1932 in Loretto, Kansas the son of Benedict and Rose (Engel) Stremel.  He graduated from Victoria High School in 1950 and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, stationed in Stuttgart, Germany from 1954 until 1956.  On August 4, 1956 he was united in marriage to Helga Rieser in Loretto, a union that would span over 61 years.  He earned his BS Degree in English and History from Fort Hays State University in 1962 and his MS Degree in Education Administration from Fort Hays State University in 1969.  He was an educator and principal with USD 489 for many years and a farmer.  He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Hays American Legion Post #173, was a past Commander of the Hays VFW Post #9076, and the Toastmasters.  He grew up playing baseball in Loretto and was a talented pitcher who was invited to spring training with the Los Angeles Dodgers in Sarasota, Florida in 1957.  He loved farming, his family, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Helga, of the home in Hays, three sons; Craig F. Stremel and wife Deborah of San Antonio, TX, Curtis Stremel of Hays, and Cary Stremel and wife Marsha of Hays, two sisters; Jeanette Cannon of New Orleans, LA and Marilyn Niernberger of Virginia, seven grandchildren; Cole Stremel, Cameron Stremel and wife Stephanie, Erich Stremel, Kara Dorobek and husband John, Rene Stremel, Nicole Dinkel and husband Cole, and Elise Stremel, and three great grandchildren; Caidyn Dinkel, Emma Dorobek, and Evan Dorobek.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son; Cameron Stremel, a brother; Leroy Stremel, an infant sister, and a great granddaughter; Cambry Dinkel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Friday, December 1, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Earl Befort officiating.  Inurnment will take place at a later date.  Visitation will be from 10:00 am until service time and a rosary will be recited at 10:30, all on Friday at the church.  Memorials are suggested in Frank’s memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church or to masses, in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com