Michael “Mike” Ernest Stratmeyer, 74, of Litchfield, died on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, at Copper Creek in Litchfield.
Visitation will be held at St. Timothy United Methodist Church, located at 219 East Union Ave. in Litchfield on Friday, Nov. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. A celebration of life will be on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 10:30 a.m., also at St. Timothy United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Elm Wood Cemetery in Litchfield with the Rev. Dr. Tony Bell of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Claramont, NC, presiding and Pastor Dennis Hill of Litchfield assisting.
Mr. Stratmeyer was born on Oct. 13, 1950, in Litchfield, the son of Dr. E. H. and Zonna (Laird) Stratmeyer. He was a Litchfield High School graduate with the class of 1968 and was a Lincoln Land graduate with the class of 1971, where he earned an associate’s degree in applied sciences. He was a lifelong grain and cattle farmer.
Mr. Stratmeyer married Diane Reller on Nov. 4, 1972, at Pleasant Hill Christian Church in Raymond, and she survives.
Mr. Stratmeyer was a 63-year member of St. Timothy United Methodist Church where he served on the trustee committee for several years. He served on the Litchfield School Board from August 1986 until November 1991, where he was vice president from 1989 to 1991. He served in the Illinois National Guard 3637 Supply and Maintenance, Camp Lincoln in Springfield from July 30, 1971, until May 14, 1977. Mr. Stratmeyer was a member of the Masonic Lodge #236, Ansar Shrine, Montgomery County Farm Bureau, Illinois Beef Association and Midwest Truckers Association.
In addition to his wife, Diane, Mr. Stratmeyer is survived by daughters, Lynne (Derrick) Bruhn of Monticello and Kelli (Doug) Ellinger of Litchfield; granddaughters, Mabry and Mylin Bruhn and Faith and Elysse Ellinger; sister, Marilyn (Robert) Hobson of Hopkinsville, KY; mother-in-law, Eleanor Reller of Litchfield; and several nieces, a nephew and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carolyn; father-in-law, Darrel E. Reller; and granddaughter, Morley Grace Bruhn.
Memorials may be made to the Michael E. Stratmeyer Agricultural Scholarship Fund or to St. Timothy Soup Kitchen. Litchfield Family Funeral Service in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.litchfieldffs.com
