Obituary of Rudy Stritz

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our wonderful father Rudy Stritz, who left this world peacefully on June 7, 2025, in the loving arms of his family.

Rudy was born on January 8, 1934, to Rudy Sr. and  Anne Stritz (nee Warnick).  He came from humble beginnings and when dad was 17, he and Rudy Sr. built their house at 351 1^st Street, and he grew up helping grandpa in the shoe shop, East End Shoe Repair. 

Rudy’s schooling took him to Brandon Collegiate Institute and Earl Haig Junior High School. Dad was, in essence, a real renaissance man.  He was an artist, an entertainer, a carpenter, an athlete (running, baseball, basketball, swimming, skiing and golf), and a man who could reason and teach with ease.  People gravitated to him and his quiet but sure manner. 

This was fundamental in his career with the Provincial Government at WestBran, from which he retired.  His counsellor skills were readily targeted and he spent almost 30 years counselling participants on Life Skills.  Dad also held careers early in life as a Graphic Artist at the DND Base in Shilo, Promotional Manager for the Brandon Wheat Kings, and co-founder and Sign Painter for Cardinal signs.

Dad was a true family man.  He adored his children and wife Jeannette and would go to the ends of the earth for them.  Dad was an observer and a listener.  When we went to him with a problem he would say “Well kid, these are your options…”, and then would support us with whichever option we chose. 

He was the same with his grandchildren.  His belief was to learn by doing, and that is how he taught his children and then the grandchildren.  Both grandchildren Rudy and Sydney have an artistic talent that was inherited from and nurtured by Dad.  He spent many hours at his work bench teaching them to paint, draw, and build.

Dad also had a fantastic dry sense of humor.  Numerous times he had us on the floor with his quips that would come out of the blue.  When dad spoke, he had us hanging off the edge of our seats or laughing profusely.

Dad was one of the original players for the Brandon Cloverleaf Baseball Team.  He began playing in 1950 when he was just 16 years-old and retired his career in 1964 when he and mom began having a family.  The Cloverleafs went on in history to win the Provincial Championship six times in a row, and dad was the only shortstop to win all six with the team. The Cloverleafs were monumental in his life and in 1997, they were inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame. 

Dad was also a long time member of the Brandon Kinsmen Club and K-40 and numerous friendships were developed during this time which have continued through to today and are now  4^th generation.  Many will remember dad and his alter ego Ben Perogy, a legend in his time.

Dad was a longtime member and held the Presidency of both the Brandon Retriever Club, and the Delta Marsh Retriever Club.  His passion and love for Labrador Retrievers was evident in the quality of dogs he raised and the number of trophies and ribbons his dogs received from Field Trials.  From this, dad went on to judge many field trials in Manitoba, as well as Alberta, Idaho, and Toronto.  This and his love for all animals of the world, was passed on to his children and grandchildren.

Rudy is survived by his beloved wife Jeannette, of 68 years, daughters Suzanne Stritz Letain and Sandra Stritz, son Geoff Stritz and daughter-in-law Shannon Morrow Stritz, and grandchildren Rudy Letain and Sydney Stritz. Also surviving is his sister from BC Audrey Hall and brother in-law Les Hall, and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents Rudy Sr. and Anne Stritz.

A celebration of Rudy’s life will be held at the Victoria Inn, 3550 Victoria Ave, on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Rideau Park Personal Care Home for the care of dad for the last three years.

Donations in Rudy’s name can be made to Funds for Furry Friends, or Rideau Park Personal Care Home.