OnaLee M. Strauer, age 95 of Sherman Township passed away peacefully at her home on December 13th, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
OnaLee was born on 01/23/1930 in Whittemore, MI to the Late Gerald and Joy (nee Smith) Bellen. She was the oldest of 4 girls and was raised on the family farm. OnaLee attended Whittemore Prescott Area schools, where she was on the basketball team and was able to skip a grade to graduate early.
OnaLee married the love of her life Dale Strauer on 04/02/1973 and the celebrated 52 years of marriage.
OnaLee and Dale lived in Mt Morris, where OnaLee was the Mt Morris Township clerk. Upon her retirement in 2000 they moved back to Tawas City. OnaLee was a proud member of the Flushing Moose, Hale Eagles, Sand Lake Sno Goers, SLYC and the Sand Lake women’s auxiliary. She was crowned Queen at one of the first Sand Lake Festivals and help run the festival for years. She was an avid hunter until her late 80’s.
OnaLee is survived by her loving husband Dale. Children, Connie (Chuck) Merservey, Oregon; Gerry (A Haunani) Kindell, Hawaii; Terry “Rip” Kindell, Colorado; and Jeff (Samantha) Strauer, Tawas City. Step Children Fred (Juli) Strauer, National City; and Tari (John) Sanders, National City. 14 grandkids, 8 great grandkids, and 2 great-great grandkids. One sister Carol (Don) Kutcher, one sister-in-law Elaine Howell, and numerous nieces and nephews. OnaLee was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Joy Bellen, Her sisters Geraldine “Tim” (Mike) Avrum; Ardith (Bud) Biggs, step-son Dale Henry Strauer, Jr. and two nephews Todd Kutcher, and Craig Biggs.
OnaLee was a beloved wife, sister, mother and grandmother. She loved nothing more than spending quality time with loved ones and caring for those around her. She was an incredibly optimistic person with an undimmable light that undoubtedly brightened the lives around her, and will be incredibly missed by all that knew her.
OnaLee loved to entertain all friends and family at any time, she was always the “Hostess with the mostest”.
Per OnaLee’s wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be scheduled for next summer, as Onalee didn’t want a funeral, she wanted a celebration.
