Cheryl D. Streckert
April 22, 1958 - April 26, 2011

"Funeral Eulogy Cheryl was a woman that who was open, warm, and endearing to everyone that she met. She was married to Ray for almost 30 wonderful years. She was different in almost every way possible from Ray, but don�??t they say that opposites attract? With her strengths and his strengths, they made a very good team. They were very much in love when they were young, and that love just continued to grow over the years. Cheryl would often say, �??go ahead and do your own thing, we�??re not attached at the hip�?�. But that�??s the thing, Cheryl and Ray really were attached at the hip, at least emotionally. Cheryl�??s first love was music. At an early age she was the organist for her church. Later she went to college to get a bachelor degree in music performance. She focused on the pipe organ and church liturgy. Pipe organs were not always readily available, so harpsichords were a normal part of her practice day which could typically last for 8 hours a day. She loved it, and she was very very good at it. It was obvious that she had a God given talent that not many are lucky enough to have. Later in life she taught music to private students, school classrooms, and for music companies. She loved to teach children best, probably because they would actually practice. Cheryl later went to school to become a registered nurse. This really fit her very well because of the caring, compassionate person she was. She discovered that the operating room was the place where she felt comfortable, helping people in need, on a daily basis. Nurses are really a blessing to all of us, as they are doing a difficult job for people who are really in need. Cheryl and Ray had three wonderful children. Cheryl�??s personality can be found in all of them which is a real complement to all three of them. Cheryl�??s love of children and teaching really showed as she started math clubs for students and tutored students that needed a little extra help and encouragement. Her teaching was not confined to classroom subjects. She was very involved with every aspect of her children�??s lives by teaching life experiences, even though they did not know class was in session. It was not surprising that her house became the house where all of her children�??s friends would congregate. And their friends always became friends of Cheryl�??s also. Cheryl was really a child at heart. She loved the innocence and enthusiasm and true happiness that is all too often lost as we grow older. Her infectious smile was always on display and confirmed these youthful attributes were alive in her. Is it any wonder that now we all miss her so much? It is OK to miss her, but we should not be sad for her. She grew up in a fine Christian home and was taught wonderful values at home, at a Christian grade school and at a Christian high school. These values guided her to live her life for God. There is no doubt she had a strong relationship with our Lord and Savior. We will be sad for Cheryl, but if we could see where she has gone, we wouldn�??t be. Instead we would look forward to the day with eager anticipation when we will join her in the marvelous place which God has prepared for all of us. We all someday will take the journey that Cheryl has already taken. Let each and every one of us look forward with eager anticipation to join God in the place he has prepared for us. Our loved ones who have left this place will be waiting for us at the gate. Cheryl was able to say �??Lord, your grace is sufficient for me�?�. Thanks be to God. All my love, Ray "

"Each summer, as children, we looked forward to seeing our cousins from Wisconsin. For endless hours we built hay forts and played in Grandma & Grandpa Buchner's haymow; Cheryl always wanted to play "kittens." Cheryl, of course, played the organ for our wedding. The organ in our church was old, worn, and probably not that great to begin with. After the service our (church's) organist said to my dad (Uncle Bob) "I didn't know so much music could come out of that organ!" When Angela was a baby I remember Grandma Buchner telling me pridefully, how Cheryl was able to go to nursing classes and take notes with Angela in her "Snugglie." I will speak for the whole (Buchner) family and say that when it came to music, she was the best. I have endless memories of time spent together, but will close in saying that we will miss her, and I will frequently look back on all the fun we had together. Last I want to extend my condolences to Ray, Angela, Katie,Ryan, and all the other family and friends of Cheryl; we were all blessed to have her in our lives. Lovingly, "Cousin" Beth"

"I am so sorry to hear about Cheryl's passing. She was such a caring, happy, kind and loving person. I am sorry that I will not be able to attend the memorial or funeral, as I am up in Duluth and it will be hard for me to get there. My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family!! :) "

"We are so very sorry to hear about your precious mother and wife's passing. We are praying for you all. Cheryl was a remarkable person, so kind, loving and talented in many ways. We are greatly enriched for knowing her. You are all in our prayers. Bob, Sharon, Ruthie, and Josh Balk"

"We are forever thankful to Cheryl for playing the organ in our Wedding 17 years ago. It was always fun to see her at family gatherings, her smile would light up a room. Our condolences to Ray & their 3 children, and the whole Buchner Family. My God comfort you during this difficult time. Scott, Cindy, Alexis, Austin, Jasmine, Joshua, Makenna Auld (Lori Buchner sister & family)"

"Ray and family, I have great memories of Cheryl and seeing her at work at allina, great times at your house hanging out with Angie playing volleyball and swimming. Sorry for your loss, she will always be remembered."

"I couldn't have asked for a better sister. Cheryl and I had a special relationship as sisters. She was the fun older sister who would come home to visit (not nearly often enough!) and was always sure to include me on her fun adventures. She probably would have told you she was only 2 years older than I :) since she was so young at heart. No one enjoyed organizing or getting together for a party more than Cheryl, and she always made sure that everyone was having a great time. She was a special person who always made sure everyone else felt special and treasured as well. Cheryl sure enjoyed playing games as well, and her competitive nature came out when we had to play by "Cheryl's Rules" when playing cards. As a talented musician, writer and "event organizer", her creativity was endless. She was a devoted wife and mother to her incredible husband Ray and amazing three children Angela, Katherine and Ryan. We will miss her a lot, but I know she's having a blast up in heaven."

"My prayers are with Ray and the family."

"So sorry for your loss , although she may have passed into a more perfect world , 1 with no fear, pain or sadness,, Cherish the memories that she has left for you all , keep her in your hearts and she will live forever .. Our deepest condolences to the entire Buchner / Streckert Families "

"I was absolutely stunned by seeing Cheryl's obituary in the paper. The memories it brought back. Getting up in the darkness, when I stayed over night, to go on rides with Doc Buchner. All the sleep overs at Cheryl's. The time she was practicing organ in Reedsville and she accidently pushed the button and everyone could hear it outside. I thought we were going to die!!! Going with her and Pastor Kuschel to the Nursing Homes. She would play the piano I would sit with the old people. Then choir when I would sit and turn pages at the piano or the organ during concerts. Cheryl was the closest thing I had to a sister in High School. During those very tough and emotional times the Buchners were always there with me. My sympathy goes out to all of you. Sharon, Doc, Mike, Carl, Danny, Robbie and Jill. To you Ray....remember when we came over one evening in 80's and Phil and Cheryl were communicating on a very simple level!! You and I laughed. I wish you and your children the comfort of many happy memories. Know that Cheryl will forever hold a special place in my heart. I wish I would have made more effort to contact her. Thoughts and Prayers "George". Georgeann Peters Knier and Phil"

"Cheryl had a way of making everyone feel comfortable and welcomed. It was her smile:-) even if she disagreed with you her smile would let you know that it was okay to have your own opinions and thoughts. Her smile lit up a room and made holidays festive."

"Dear Katie, Ray, Angela and Ryan, I'm so so heartbroken to hear about Cheryl. I didn't know she was sick again, and I'm so devastated for your loss. I wish I could be home to pay my respects in person. She was such an incredible person, she was never anything but kind, gracious and welcoming to me and my family. I will never forget when I'd have breakfast at your home and she'd make the best pancakes ever for us. She was a wonderful mom, neighbor and a wonderful pianist. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, all the way from Italy. I'll make sure to see you guys when I get home. I'm so sorry again. Maried Rivera"

"My heartfelt sympathies go out to all of you who are mourning Cheryl's death. As an organist at St. John-St. James, Reedsville, I can remember the beautiful music Cheryl played for our worship services. Our congregation was graced with Cheryl's gifts and talents. Memories of Cheryl will always be in our hearts. "

"Auntie Cheryl was always there for me and everyone else. She opened her pool and her heart to those in need. And every Christmas, she got me a wonderful book to read. She was one of the kindest and most adventurous people I know. I love her and miss her. "

"When Ray and Cheryl would come to Wisconsin she would always greet me with a smile and ask me how I am doing and she really was sincere about it."