Kenneth Frank Stratman, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend, of Saint Louis, Missouri, lost his short battle with pancreatic cancer on March 26, 2023, at the age of 75, and now joins his parents Dolores and Kenneth Stratman, Sr. Born on October 13, 1947, Ken is survived by his wife, Marcelline Stratman; his daughter, Kim Ackerman, son-in-law, Rob Ackerman and granddaughter, Alyssa; and his son, Keith Stratman, daughter-in-law, Molly Stratman and grandsons, Jackson, Benjamin and William. Ken is also survived by his sister, Toni Kaye Boehm, nieces, Laura and Andrea and nephews, Kevin, Michael and Tim.
Ken was a graduate of Holy Innocents Catholic School, Bishop DuBourg High School and Meramec Community College. Ken served in the National Guard for 6 years. In 2010 he retired from a 43 year career as a transportation designer to spend time with his grandchildren.
Since he was a teenager, Ken raised homing pigeons and raced them on weekends. His connection to his birds was real, they brought him peace. He spent his last week at home breeding his champions. An avid St. Louis Cardinals and Blues fan, Ken went to many Cardinals games each year and was a proud Blues season ticket holder for most of the last 50 years, To see his team raise Lord Stanley’s cup was a dream come true to Ken!
Throughout his life, Ken touched so many people. He never met a stranger, had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. Ken was kind, respectful, patient, smart, strong, hard working, loving, funny, genuine, the true example of a gentleman.
Family meant everything to Ken. He cherished time spent with those he loved. Family included those born into his life as well as those chosen few that never shared an ounce of blood with him, but shared their whole hearts. Above all, Ken’s two precious children and four amazing grandchildren are what filled his world with joy.
Visitation will be from 4:00-9:00pm on Thursday, March 30th, at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois in Affton, Missouri. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Friday, March 31st at St. Margaret of Scotland, 3854 Flad Ave. in St. Louis City, followed by a funeral procession to Oak Hill Cemetery, 10301 Big Bend Rd. in Kirkwood, Missouri. Please join Ken’s family for a celebration of his life immediately following the interment at the Stratman’s at 9935 Vicksburg Siege Court, St. Louis, Missouri, 63123.
In lieu of flowers, Ken requested that donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org/donate, or through the mail at 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
To Jack, Alyssa, Ben, and Will
I am very sorry and I grieve very much for your loss. Only you have the ownership of your relationship with your grandfather. Though you are one of four, your relationship was one of one.
You know your grandfather loved you very much and always wanted the best for you. His hopes and dreams for your future were probably far exceed your own hopes and dreams for your future.
His love for each of you and his love especially for just you was immeasurable.
I am very sorry for your loss because it is a big one and one that can never be replaced. But you can go on to shine his light through your own life and with your own relationships.
Know that you were a gift to him and he appreciated having that gift every moment of your life.
Your grandfather has helped teach you how to be a good person to those you love by being a good person to those he loved. Always remember he loves you so much.
My deepest sympathy,
Cousin Mary ❤️
One of the kindness, most genuine and easy
going person I met.Will miss you Ken.
My thoughts and prayers are with Marcie and the family.
I was so very saddened to hear of Kens passing. I knew Ken through the Racing Pigeons. We worked together on the Executive Committee of our local Pigeon Organization. He was an honest, and honorable friend who I will miss.
I was so sorry to hear about Ken’s passing. I always had good memories of him even though I hadn’t seen him for I’m not sure how long.
Ken was the best neighbor and friend you can ever wish and dream for. The words can’t express the sadness we feel because of of his sudden passing.
Thoughts and Prayers for the whole family.
Blues hockey will never be the same. Ken and I shared seasons tickets for over 40 years. Each season he’d work his magic and divide the tickets equally- always asking if everything seemed fair. A very kind-hearted, loyal, personable, dependable friend who loved his God and family faithfully. For almost four decades the Blues broke our hearts, finally in 2019 the Stanley Cup was ours. Biblically speaking, we were like Simeon- now oh Lord you may dismiss your servants for we experienced the excitement of winning the Cup. Last Wednesday my wife Sandy and I visited with Ken and Kim at Mercy Hospital where his pain showed, but his positive fighting spirit was quite noticeable. We all know the Lord gives and he takes away. Unfortunately, God took part of our hearts with Ken. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Ken, may your memory be everlasting. Shalom, St. Ken
Kim and Rob,
So very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers. Gods comfort to you.
Marge B
Condolences to the Stratman family. My brother Dan Reeves was a long time friend of Ken. I knew Ken through my brother and Ken’s sister, Toni Kaye. She was in my class at Holy Innocents. Over the years, I have run into Ken, and I can say without a doubt that he was one of the nicest individuals I have ever met. I remember his mother and father from Holy Innocents, so I know from whom Ken and Toni Kaye receive their kindness and positive outlook. It was a pleasure to know the family. Toni, Ken is no longer suffering from that awful pancreatic cancer. He is now in the arms of our Lord.
Jean (Reeves) Hatley
So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed Ken’s company and his wry wit. So fun playing volleyball at H.I.
On Thursday evening. RIP friend
My Condolences to the entire Family. I grow up down the street from Ken and remember his pigeons flying around. Going to the Cardinals games, I would
Run into Ken with his daughter and chat a little. He was a wonderful and fun guy.
He will be greatly missed.
Sorry for your loss . He was a nice guy . He gave me a wonderful blue bar homing pigeon .