Verdell "Smiley" Stratman, 73, Ovid resident since 1960, died April 4, 2010, in Sterling. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, followed by Recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m., at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 8, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Sterling, with the Rev. Robert L. Wedow officiating. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery.

Mr. Stratman was born Oct. 2, 1936, in Holyoke to Carl H. and Lena M. (Schrage) Stratman. He graduated from St. Anthony Catholic High School in 1955.
He was custodian for Revere School District.

Mr. Stratman was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Julesburg and a Verdell "Smiley" Stratman lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also an Antique Car Club member, restored antique cars and toured with the car clubs. His pride was his 1926 Model T Roadster. He also enjoyed playing cards.

He is survived by a brother, Norbert Stratman of Sterling; sisters, Joan P. Montgomery and husband Robert of Sterling and Lena M. Schritter and husband Clarence of Rio Rancho, N.M.; sister-in-law, Helen Stratman of Orlando, Fla.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Gertrude Hamsa and husband Lumir; sister, Mary Ann Stratman; brother, Dale Stratman and wife Dorothy; and brother, Charles Stratman.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Diabetes Association or the charity of the donor's choosing.