Raymond “Butch” Fay Stratman, the son of Dale and Bernice (Swihart) Stratman, was born July 29, 1943, in Superior. He passed away Oct. 4, 2025, at Accura Healthcare of Fullerton, at the age of 82 years.

Butch graduated from Lovewell High School, Lovewell, KS in 1961. Upon graduating he enlisted with the United States Navy June 1, 1961, and was honorably discharged July 23, 1964. A month later, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Janice Mettler, Aug. 29, 1964, at Lovewell. To this union, two children were born, Leslie and Stacey. Butch was most proud of raising two wonderful children. Nothing was more important to him than his children, granddaughters, and extended family. Butch earned a degree in construction technology at Central Nebraska Tech in Hastings. He worked on various construction projects and then became a self-employed contractor, building and remodeling homes. He later became a rural mail carrier until retiring in 2013.

Butch was involved with the Clay Center youth scouting program in the early 80s and continued through the 90s. He was also a Nebraska hunter safety instructor for 25 years.

Butch’s skilled hands and attention to detail fit well with his many hobbies including woodworking, stained glass, and leatherwork. His patience was a benefit as an avid golfer, hunter and trapper.

A man of Christian faith, he had a huge heart for children and led bible study for the young at heart. He was an Elder for several years with the Clay Center Christian Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Bernice; and brothers, Robert Lee and Jon Kirk.

Survivors include his wife, Janice, of Clay Center; son, Leslie (Laurie) Stratman of St. Libory; daughter, Stacey (Michael) Warner of Anchorage, AK; two granddaughters, Rachael (Ben) Voss and Rayna Warner; siblings, Jacklyn (John) Risewick, Jerry (Jane) Stratman and Dawn (Rex) Bailey; other relatives, and a host of friends.

Memorial service with military honors was at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Clay Center Christian Church in Clay Center, with Pastor Chad Ferguson officiating.

Music was “Amazing Grace,” and “Daddy’s Hands” sung by John Spilker with Cheryl Green as his accompanist.

Honorary pallbearers were Dennis Seyler, Roger Thompson, Tony Dibble, Jordan Hakanson, Eldren Echternkamp, Tim Messenger, David Blome, Rex Bailey, Joe Collins, Jim Gavin, and Larry Henrichs.

Inurnment with military honors was in the Fairview Cemetery, Webber, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to go to the Clay Center Ambulance Fund in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, NE 68978, or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes. com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior was in charge of the arrangements.