Carlton John Stras

Carlton John Stras, 85, a resident of Fergus Falls, formerly of the Rothsay area, died on Sunday, December 27, 2015, at the Broen Home in Fergus Falls.

Carlton was born on May 30, 1930, in Fergus Falls, to Carl and Marie (Rudh) Stras. He grew up on the family farm and went to school in Rothsay. In his younger years, he worked as a hired hand for several area farmers. He was enlisted in the United States Army from 1952 to 1953, serving overseas and earned a National Defense Service Medal.

On April 10, 1956, he was married to Fern Ethel Norgren in Elizabeth, by Reverend Grabarkewitz. He was a farmer and lived the majority of his life in Oscar Township. In 1999, the farm was recognized as a Century Farm. Carlton enjoyed his dairy cattle and had several different breeds throughout his farming years. Although not a hunter, he loved the outdoors and enjoyed watching the wildlife. Following his retirement, he drove for social services and worked part time at Hotel 7 in Fergus Falls.

Carlton loved to attend auction sales, where he would buy items for himself and others. He travelled all over the state of Minnesota attending various high school sporting events. He also enjoyed trips to flea markets and casinos and listening to old time music. There was always a story to be told, and usually a few laughs to go with it.

He was very active in his community. He served as a board member for Hillside School District #1450, Lake Region Electric, Elizabeth and Rothsay Creamery, Oscar Township and various positions with Hamar Lutheran Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Marie Stras; his wife, Fern Ethel Stras; his sisters, Carol Halbakken and Mae Moe; a son, Carlton John, Jr.; a grandson, Mathew Stras; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Ralph Halbakken, Otto Moe, Eugene Holt, Herbert Thom, Robert Thom, Garnet and Laverne Johnson, Kermit Norgren and Mae and Harold Haugen.

Carlton is survived by his children, Betty Stras, Daniel Stras and James (Janice) Stras; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Anne, John, Jamie and Joseph; great-grandchildren, Mathew, Levi, Charity, Destiny, Trevor, Braelyn and Emma; sisters and brothers-in-law, Eleanor Holt, Ruth Thom, Joyce Thom and Janice and Charles Vangsness, Elof Norgren, Jr., Dianna Norgren; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 10:00-11:00 AM on Monday, January 4, 2016, at New Life Lutheran Church
Service: 11:00 AM on Monday, January 4, 2016, at New Life Lutheran Church in Rothsay
Clergy: Jerry Peterson, S.A.M.
Interment: Hamar Lutheran Cemetery, rural Rothsay
Military Participation: Fergus Falls VFW Post #612 and American Legion Post #30
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements.