"Rena Stransky was to the Spirit Lake Community School District as the buttons on coat. She was the glue and the continuity that held the enitre district in an equilibrium for thirty five years. There were many teachers and students as well as parents who benefitted so much from Rena's good counsel. Her unfailing sense of fair play and her abiding love of learning and the environment of learning was so important to past and future generations. Rena knew what was good for students was the right thing to do and she took care of the "doing". We have known Rena as a student, parent, and as a colleague and dear friend. We have always had the greatest admiration and love for her. What a very special lady. With deepest sympathy to her family Penny and Rick Wiersma"
In loving memory of
Rena Stransky
February 20, 1917 - April 29, 2013
Rena Daisy Stransky, age 96, of Spirit Lake, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2013, at Hilltop Care Center in Spirit Lake. She was born on February 20, 1917, in Montour, Iowa, to Ray and Daisy Halverson.
Rena was raised on the family farm and was the oldest of four children. She was united in marriage to Leonard S. Stransky on December 31, 1941, while he was stationed with the U.S. Coast Guard in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn, New York. They lived in Brooklyn where she worked on Broadway in Manhattan at an accounting position.
They moved to Iowa to help support the family while Leonard completed his education at Iowa State University. They moved to Spirit Lake in 1952, starting her 35 year career as the Spirit Lake Community Schools secretary to the school board.
Rena was a member of Eastern Star, the Museum Board, Legion Auxiliary, Retired School Personnel, Cemetery Board, the United Methodist Church, the Farmer's Market, the Ground Observer Corp, the Senior Center, where she was instrumental in the fund raising and the treasurer and buyer for the Lakes Regional Healthcare Gift Shop. She was always willing to lend a hand, including a Den Mother for Ken's Cub Scouts. Rena was always proud of her garden and honey bees.
Rena is survived by her two sons, Kenneth Stransky of Bloomfield, Michigan, and Richard Stransky of Spirit Lake; two grandchildren, Robin Yerrington of South Bend, Indiana, and Yuri S. LaPointe of Bloomfield, Michigan; three great-grandchildren, Kendra, Eve and Meg Yerrington of South Bend, Indiana; two foster sons, Kenneth and Ronald Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leonard; her sisters, Irene and Pauline; brother, Arthur; and grandson, Thomas.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00A.M. Monday, May 6, 2013, at the United Methodist Church in Spirit Lake. A memorial visitation will be held Sunday, from 2:00P.M. until 4:00P.M. at the Schuchert Funeral Home. The Schuchert Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"This is a small poem that I wrote about Rena when she was my friend as well as my boss at school. "Dear Rena" Your eyes of brown and deep Your eyes that frown at twenty cents off Your eyes that sparkle at the sight of An old friend Your eyes that glow with warmth And knowing of a good life Your eyes that give such an un-asking Un-yeilding look of caring Your eyes with the wisdom of the ages And the delight of a child Always know how much the look In your eyes has meant to me. written 1/12/1988"
"Rena had the most beautiful smile! We always enjoyed visiting with her about her experiences living and working in New York City. Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt thoughts are with you. The photos are wonderful and such a treasure! May the memories of Rena be a source of comfort to the entire family.
Sincerely,
Ron and Janice Adams
"
"During the fifteen years I worked with Rena as she served as the school district's business manager I found her to be among the most faithful and loyal supporters of the school district and community. She was my friend and partner. Her fiscal conservatism was apparent. However, if something was good for kids or the school district, she was among the leading supporters. She was a special lady that had a significant impact on the quality of education in the district. God bless Rena, a good and faithful servant. "
"I remember going to Rena's office in the 1913 building and seeing all of the piles in information. She was remarkable as she knew what was in every one of them!! I also worked with Rena through the Auxiliary the last few years, helping them with their Girls State selection process. She was very proud of her Auxiliary work and of the girls that they sent to Girls State. We enjoyed having her come to present the scholarship they gave each year. I'll also miss not seeing her at the Farmers' Market."
"Rick Stransky and Ken Brown will be staying at the home if anyone would like to call, come and or visit. We want thank each of you for your prayers, and condolances. Viewing will be at Scheuchert Funeral Home 2-4 Sunday and Funeral will be 11 on Monday. "