James Strege

James "Jim" Strege, 90, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Ortonville Area Health Services in Ortonville. 

Memorial Services will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the church and will continue one hour prior to the service on Monday. 

James “Jim” Carl Strege was born on June 12, 1934, in Ortonville, MN, to Carl and Alma (Laskowski) Strege. He became a child of God through Holy Baptism on June 21, 1934. On May 30, 1948, Jim confirmed his Christian faith and received the life-giving body and blood of Jesus. He attended school in Ortonville and graduated in 1952. Following his education, he enlisted in the United States National Guard.

On November 2, 1957, Jim married Delores “Dee” Peterson, and together they were blessed with a son, Dean Strege.

Jim was the proud owner and operator of Strege’s Auto Parts for many years and also contributed his time helping at Strege’s Recycling Center Inc. He played an active role in the community, serving as President of both the Ortonville Jaycees and the Ortonville Chamber of Commerce, along with holding various other leadership roles in these organizations. Additionally, Jim volunteered and served on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity, the MN Voice Circuit, and the Chautauqua Community Concert Association. Jim was also an EMT with Ortonville Ambulance for many years. He was a devoted lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he loved singing on the church choir and served as an elder and usher.

Jim had a variety of interests, including participating in the Ortonville Flying Club, attending car shows, swap meets, and racing stock cars. Later, he enjoyed providing and driving the wrecker at the Madison Speedway for 18 years alongside his son, Dean. Jim especially loved cruising in the “6VETTE4” (Jim’s 64’ Corvette) with Grandma Dee, Samantha, and Sabrina. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family, which brought him immense joy.

Jim is survived by his wife, Delores “Dee” Strege of Ortonville, MN; son, Dean (Mona) Strege of Alexandria, MN; two granddaughters: Samantha (Nathan) Johnston and Sabrina (Peter) Rausch; five great-grandchildren: Lily, Matt, Henry, Grace, Teddy Rausch (“TJ” as great grandpa called him), and one on the way; brother, Vern Strege.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Carl and Alma Strege; sisters: Esther (Jack) Clark and Ruth (Bob) Lemster, and sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Strege.