Henry C. (Hank) Strecker

Hank Strecker passed away on Monday, March 5, 2018. Hank was born on April 14, 1926 to Jacob and Katherine Strecker in Billings, Montana. He was the twelfth of fifteen brothers and sisters. The family farmed west of Billings. At the age of 18, Hank joined the Army as a paratrooper. He was stationed in Japan after WWII. When Hank returned home, he met Rosetta (Dit) Willmore at a dance. Both were wearing their military uniforms. They were married in a leap year on February 29, 1946. During their 70 years of marriage, Hank and Dit were inseparable. They farmed for many years in Shepherd. At that time, they adopted a young boy, Johnny. After selling the farm, Hank and Dit moved to Silvergate where they owned and operated the beautiful Pine Edge Cabins. Hank was often out fishing streams and lakes in the area. When they decided to retire, Hank and Dit bought a home in Livingston because the access to good fishing was still “close by”. Another highlight for Hank and Dit was their WWII Veterans Honor Flight in 2013. In 2015, poor health brought them back to Billings where they lived at Morning Star Senior Living. Hank was a lifelong, avid fisherman and hunter. He had an uncanny ability to find where the fish were hiding. He enjoyed guiding family and friends to good fishing spots. He was known for his hard work and easy-going happy attitude. During these last few years at Morning Star, Hank often said, “I’ve had a GOOD life. I wouldn’t change a thing!”. He also was frequently heard saying, “I’ve got a great family.” Hank was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dit and their son John; sisters Lydia, Millie, Eva and Linda; brothers Alexander (Bud), Sollie, Herman, Eddie, Jacob, Ray, Chuck and Harold. His grandchildren, John Michael Strecker and Roseann Geertz, his brother Bob and sister Mollie survive him. Numerous loving nieces and nephews also survive him. Special thanks to the caring staff in Reflections at Morning Star. A memorial service for Hank will be held at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary on Monday March 12, 2018 at 1:00pm. Interment with Military Honors will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens.