Lena Edna Strefling

Lena Edna Strefling, 100, of Lawrence, passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2014, at Countryside Nursing and Rehabilitation Community, South Haven.

Lena was born Nov. 16, 1913, in Benton Harbor, the daughter of Gustave and Bertha (Schmidt) Geik, both of whom preceded her in passing. Also preceding her in passing were her husband, William Strefling; two sons, William Strefling Jr. and Harold Strefling; a daughter, Irma Tursi; four brothers: Henry Geik, Arthur Geik, William Geik and Edward Geik; and two sisters, Ruth Ott and Mildred Strefling.

Lena was a member of Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church. She enjoyed reading, doing word searches and the outdoors, especially watching the birds. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren.

Lena is survived by four sons: Rudy (Barbara) Strefling of Mineola, Texas; Donald (Barbara) Strefling, Steve (Patty) Strefling and Leonard (Teri) Strefling, and a daughter, Jane (Ronald) Buckhout, all of Lawrence; 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert (Carolyn) Geik of Niles; and a sister, Evelyn (Emmet) Kempton of Bridgman.

As per Lena's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service to honor her memory will commence at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 10, at Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hartford. Lena's ashes will be buried in New Troy Cemetery after the luncheon. The family requests memorial donations in Lena's name be made to the church. The family has entrusted the Leonard Funeral Home, Lawrence, with handling the arrangementss. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.