INDIVIDUAL OBITUARY

Rev. Dave Strenski, O.Praem

St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, WI  U.S.A.

The Nobertine Community, the Missions, and the Hispanic people of Green Bay and the greater Fox Valley mourn the October 11th death of St. Norbert Abbey Prior, Fr. David Strenski, O.Praem., 56.  David, son of Emil and Margaret Strenski of Green Bay, died of complications from rare dermatomyositis.  Besides the Norbertines, David is survived by his parents, his three brothers and their families.

David graduated from Premontre High School in 1960 and joined the Order that August 28th.  In 1965 he graduated from St. Norbert College and professed his solemn vows.  He was ordained to the priesthood December 21, 1968 and received his M.A. in 1971.

After several years on the faculty of Premontre High School, in 1974 David began his twenty-two year ministry to the poor of Lima, Peru.  There he both helped and headed parochial teams, served as superior of his confreres, and was director of formation.  In March of 1997 he returned to De Pere to become Prior of the Canonry - a position he held until his untimely death.  He likewise helped to minister to the Hispanic community in Green Bay and the Fox Cities, and kept positively active in peace and justice issues.

At Dave's funeral, Fr. Roman Vanasse, his close friend and homilist, called him a man of action.  "He often said 'put your money where your mouth is' and he did.  Teacher, pastor, spiritual guide, human rights activist, musician, friend, brother, son, administrator, priest, vowed religious, and member of this community - whatever David did, he did with all his heart, with his stubborn determination to do it right, and with his generous spirit.  David always walked the extra mile.  He never responded half-heartedly or partially to the responsibilities that came his way.  From an early tendency to ally himself with the underdog, David developed into a fiercely passionate and dedicated fighter for human rights and social justice everywhere in the world."

Missionaries do what Jesus and the Apostles did!  They reach out compassionately to those in need.  David was a real missionary and is sorely missed!