Rev. Michael Dennis Strachota

Rev. Michael Dennis Strachota

January 18, 1950-January 19, 2025

Fr. Mike Strachota, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and most recently the pastor of the clustered parishes of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Mapleton and St. Joan of Arc in Nashotah WI passed away on January 19, 2025, one day after his 75th birthday. He was surrounded by dear friends and prayed into his new life. He was the first-born son of Russell and Margaret Strachota who proceeded him in death.

Fr. Mike as he was affectionately known to the thousands of people of God, he served in his 45 years of priesthood was known for his dedication to his vocation, his extraordinary gift of preaching, serving the poor and life changing pastoral care. His call to priesthood evident in his childhood and stories are told about his “saying Mass” and writing homilies beginning in second grade. He loved being a priest and cherished his call to parish ministry. He was known for his Vatican II perspective and was honored to receive the Milwaukee Archdiocese Vatican II Award in 2021.

He began his journey to priesthood at Mount Calvery High School and spent several years in the Capuchin community before attending Marquette University and St. Francis De Sales Seminary. He was ordained on September 1, 1979, by Bishop Robert Morneau at St. Rita Church in West Allis.

His first assignment was as the associate pastor at St. Kilian’s in Hartford, WI. His next assignment was to the pastoral team at Our Lady of Lourdes in Milwaukee. Following that assignment, Fr. Mike was named pastor at Corpus Christi in Milwaukee before becoming pastor at St. Joan of Arc in 2004. During that pastorate Fr. Mike accepted becoming pastor at St. Catherine of Alexandria and formed the two parishes into a cluster. His leadership in a cluster became a model for other parishes.

Fr. Mike is survived by his six siblings: Mary Kay (Dewayne) Gasman, Dan Strachota, Tim (Debbie) Strachota, Jane (David) Menebroeker, Kevin Strachota, Tom (Nikki) Strachota. He was blessed with a large extended family of nieces and nephews and countless parishioners, and friends who became his family. And grieve the loss of this extraordinary man of God.

We would like to thank all those who took care of Fr. Mike during his long journey with health issues, especially Ellen Heitman, Susan Kuhlenbeck and Dr. Don and Bunny Wollheim. To the residents and staff at Heartis/Discovery Commons Assisted Living in Brookfield, thank you for embracing Fr. Mike and allowing him to continue his priestly ministry with his weekly Masses. He never lost his ability to preach and teach right up to his last days.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, January 24 at St. Catherine of Alexandria with visitation from 4-6:30 followed by Vigil Prayer at 7:00 pm. On Saturday, January 25 at St. Joan of Arc visitation is from 9-11:30 am with the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 Noon. Please wear something red! Red was not only Fr. Mike’s favorite color, but it is also the color of the Holy Spirit: The Spirit by which Fr. Mike lived his life as priest and shepherd.

Family and friends in the Wausau area are welcome to attend the graveside service at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau, Wisconsin on Monday, January 27th at 12:00 pm.

The Mass will be live streamed on St. Joan of Arc and St. Catherine of Alexandria's YouTube page. You can watch the live stream here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-q4RsCkRsgMQaBW0LNAO0g/streams

In lieu of flowers memorials to either St. Joan of Arc or St. Catherine of Alexandria Church are deeply appreciated.