Obituary of Catherine Strasburger

Coffeyville - Catherine Dunkel Strasburger, 91, widow of Harry Strasburger, Jr. and longtime Coffeyville resident, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2009, at her home. Born Catherine Goodman Dunkel on September 17, 1917 at Lawrence, KS, she was one of five children born to Col. Joseph H. and Edna (Goodman) Dunkel. When she was 12 the family moved to Topeka. Many years after her mother's death when Catherine was 10 years old her father remarried. Her stepmother was Katherine Dunkel. Catherine graduated from the University of Kansas in 1938 with a degree in physical education. While at KU she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, and remained an active member for many years. Upon graduation from the KU, Catherine "Katie" moved to Coffeyville to teach at Field Kindley Memorial High School. After two years she left her position in Coffeyville returning to KU where she taught dance and physical education. While teaching in Coffeyville, Katie met Harry Strasburger, Jr., a local merchant and owner of Strasburger's Men's Wear. After his proposal of marriage, Catherine chose to give up her teaching career at KU, marrying Harry on January 11, 1941 returning to Coffeyville where she lived the remainder of her life. Mrs. Strasburger was active in many affairs while she lived in Coffeyville. A longtime member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, she served on the vestry for several years and was a regular worker at the church's Thrift Shop until her health prohibited her from continuing with this monthly responsibility. She was also an active member of ECW (Episcopal Church Women Ladies Auxiliary). For many years she was active with the Red Cross Auxiliary, assisting with many of their blood drives. She was also a member for over 50 years of PEO Chapter DR, and remained very active with all of their activities until her later years. Catherine also served her community by being a member of the Hospital Auxiliary for many years and the Coffeyville Library Board. Supporting activities and causes behind the scenes was one of Katie's hallmarks, as was that of her late husband, Harry. In recent years she was generous with her support of the FKHS swimming pool renovation, the animal shelter, St Paul's Episcopal Church and Coffeyville Pride Foundation. Mrs. Strasburger is survived by her three children, Harry Strasburger III of Arlington, VA, Stephen Scott Strasburger and Judy of Coffeyville, and Sally Strasburger Lundblad and husband Tom of Louisburg, KS; five grandchildren, Harry Strasburger IV and Anna Strasburger both of Arlington, VA, Stephen Scott Strasburger, Jr. of Ponca City, OK, Ashley Strasburger of Coffeyville, and Kiersten Allen and husband Ken of Louisburg, KS; and four great-grandchildren, Madysun Strasburger of Ponca City, OK, and Kaelee Kyle and Kaden Allen both of Louisburg, KS. A Memorial Service will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 7th and Elm in Coffeyville. Inurnment will be on the family lot in Coffeyville's Fairview Cemetery. Friends may sign the register book on Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family suggests memorials to St. Paul's Episcopal Church or Coffeyville Regional Medical Center; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337. To leave the family a message please visit www.dwbfh.com Arrangements are under the direction of the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.