Christina Strebe-Francis
June 17, 1931 - July 4, 2019

Christina Strebe-Francis, Lover of Tearable Puns

Christina Strebe-Francis, age 88, of Sun Prairie, Wisc., formerly of Oconto Falls and Green Bay, died of heart failure on July 4th, 2019 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, Wisc.

The oldest of five, Christina was born June 17, 1931 to the late Hans Christensen and Inez Reid in Oxford, Wisc. She obtained a nursing degree from Madison General and later a certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She had a strong interest in wellness and was certified in therapeutic massage. She worked in healthcare for over 20 years -- first in Madison hospitals, then at Mountain Clinic, and later at Bellin Hospital.

She married the late Dr. Kenneth Strebe of Marshfield in 1956. The couple first lived in Milwaukee and Marshfield. To pay for medical school, they worked summers with a carnival, where Christina ran a ring-toss stand. In 1963, they settled in Oconto Falls, Wisc. and raised four children. During part of that time, the couple operated a clinic together in Mountain, Wisc. Christina moved to Green Bay in 1990 and then to Sun Prairie in 2005.

Christina enjoyed the arts and loved to read. In later years, she enjoyed volunteering at the Agrace Thrift Store, knitting, and playing Mahjong with friends at the Colonial Club. She'll be remembered for her thoughtfulness towards others, love of puns and wordplay, and dry sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Glen; and husbands, Kenneth Strebe and Ely Francis. She is survived by sisters, Helen McClyman, Marie (Jack) Vodvarka and Elaine (Butch) Rollins; children, Peter of Fort Collins, Colo., Sara (Jamie Gurley) of Manitou Springs, Colo., Paul (Jacquie Dutton) of Minneapolis, and Laura of Madison; as well as grandchildren, Olivia, Isabel and Michaela; and many step-grand and step-great grandchildren.

A service and celebration of life will be held at Sun Prairie United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 7th. The family wishes to thank Christina's friends at Liberty Square Apts. for their help during the last year.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie
608-837-9054

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