Michael Stremick

Michael Stremick, 65, of Walhalla, ND, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, November 8, 2024. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the church.

Michael was born on September 22, 1959, in Cavalier, ND, to Philip and Myrna (Tetrault) Stremick. 

Michael attended Dickinson State University, where he met his wife, Kathy. Michael and Kathy (Stagl) were married on October 10, 1981, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New England, ND. In high school and early college, Mike worked with his father and extended family as part of Philip Stremick Construction where they built many roads and dams throughout the state of North Dakota. 

After college, Mike and Kathy returned to Walhalla to farm. As part of Stremick Farms, Mike farmed and grew certified seed potatoes with his father and son for over 40 years. Mike, affectionally known as “Moose” to all his friends, loved to hunt and fish. Almost as much as he loved these outdoor experiences, he loved to share them with others. Whether helping strangers bag their once-in-a-lifetime elk or teaching eager young fisherman the meaning of the “Walhalla limit” when catching walleyes, Mike always wanted to help others enjoy hunting and fishing as much as he did. 

A testament to Mike’s generous spirit was his enormous capacity for lifelong friendships. Even though Mike had immense responsibilities with his family and farm, he always found time for others. Without fail, Mike could be seen answering the phone to listen to a story, share a laugh, or offer a favor. Mike’s humor was priceless with an unmatched ability to imitate voices, build suspense, and drop a punchline. He especially loved his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren. They made him beam with pride as they excelled in school, performed in athletics, or bagged a nice buck. 

Even more, Mike was proud when they encountered difficulties and did the right thing, or when they simply sat next to him at the kitchen counter and talked about life. Mike’s generosity knew no limits. If someone needed something, he gave it. Mike endured trials quietly and spent his full energy on buoying everyone else. Without fanfare or expectation, Mike loved, gave, and forgave eternally. Everyone who knew Mike loved him -- and for good reason. He was one of the rare, good ones gone too soon.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Kathy, son, Christopher (Kristi) of Walhalla and daughter, Emily (Fred) Kooser of Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren, Parker Stremick and Brody Berg; brothers, Steven Stremick of Fargo, ND, Paul Stremick of Walhalla, Jeffrey (Lisa) Stremick of Fargo, ND, Mark (Mollie) Stremick of Walhalla; sisters, Shelly (Steve) Fillipi of Aurora, CO, Lori (Rick) Sorensen of Hulett, WY, and Cari (Tod) Worner of Plymouth, MN; and his mother-in-law, Martina Stagl of New England, ND.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, Matthew, and his father-in-law, Kenneth Stagl.