Strawsell – Wallace Allen Strawsell was born October 25, 1918 at Pine River, Minnesota.
At the age of eleven years he moved with his family Charles, Mary, and Agnus Strawsell to Rainier where they farmed for a year as Wallace attended Alcoma school. In the fall of 1931 they moved to Scandia where they farmed and Wally resided until 1999. Wally moved to the Playfair Lodge in Bassano and in 2001 he moved to the Brooks Nursing Home where he lived until his passing on July 2, 2003. Farming and raising cattle was his life. After Wally retired he took pride in carrying not only for his yard and farmyard but also the local Scandia Cemetery. After retirement Wally also enjoyed several trips in Canada, the U.S.A., Australia, and New Zealand before health problems slowed him down. Wally also enjoyed curling, playing hockey, and umpping baseball. He enjoyed all sports (including a rousing game of cribbage) and up until two days ago was watching a Jay’s game on TV. His parents Charles and Mary Strawsell, his brother in law Harold Bloomquist, his nieces Betty and Bertha Bloomquist, his life‑partner Lila Plante and his adopted son-in-law Jim Giles predeceased him.
Wally is survived by his sister Agnes Bloomquist, niece Betty Ann (Alan) Axelson, and families of Loretta (Ralph) Welzel, Janet (Larry) Wagner, and David (Deb) Axelson and their families as well as his nephew H.A. “Bud” Bloomquist and several cousins in the U.S.A.. His adopted family of Betty Giles and family, Joyce (Mark) Nicholls and girls and Bob Plante also survive him. Janice Giles who gave him much happiness and pleasure to the end of his days called Wally grandpa. During his travels Wally also established a lasting and immense friendship with Yvette (Gerry) Cote and family all of whom also survive him.
To celebrate his life a graveside service was held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 5th at the Scandia Cemetery.
In memory Wally, if friends desire a memorial tribute may be made to Diabetes Association (Brooks and District) Box 187, Brooks T1R 1B3 or a charity of choice. Arrangements in care of Smith Funeral Home. Telephone 362-4636 or 1-866-362-4652.
