Nicholas G. Streit

Nicholas George Streit, age 94, passed away at Reedsburg Area Medical Center on June 8, 2022 with his family by his side.  Born October 8, 1927 in Chicago, he was the only child of Nicholas J. Streit and Agnes (Lowell) Streit.  He attended St. Kilian’s Grade School and De La Salle High School in Chicago.  Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and his active service began in August of 1945.  He served as an MP at the Cheatham Annex Naval Base near Williamsburg, Virginia.  Nick returned home at the end of World War II and became an employee of Illinois Bell Telephone Company.  He started as an installer and worked his way up to management.

Nick married Dorothy Koenigsfeld, the love of his life, in Dubuque, Iowa in 1951. They moved from Chicago to Oak Lawn, IL in 1952.  They were blessed with 4 children: Diane, Susan, Joseph, and Nicholas F.  While living in Oak Lawn, he served his community for 10 years as a volunteer with the Oak Lawn Fire Department.  His interests included bowling, softball, boating, and fishing.  In fact, with his family’s help, Nick built his own Chris-Craft 17’ cabin cruiser in his garage.

As a young boy, Nick spent many summers on a family friend’s farm in Reedsburg, WI.  This is where he developed his love of the outdoors, rural life, and the Reedsburg/LaValle area.  Nick and Dorothy purchased property in LaValle in 1969 from their family friend, where they vacationed for many years.  Nick retired after 38 years with Illinois Bell, relocated to LaValle in 1989, and built a home with his wife, Dorothy.  He enjoyed gardening, mowing his large yard, bowling, boating and fishing, riding his Polaris 4 wheeler in the woods, and snowmobiling.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 242, enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels, and volunteered in several capacities at Holy Family Church.  While living in Wisconsin, he enjoyed his family’s visits over the years and returned to Illinois for family events.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes E. and Nicholas J. Streit, foster brother, Joseph Herndern, Dorothy’s parents, Mabel and Daniel F. Koenigsfeld, as well as several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Cecilia and Cletus Holzer, Aloysius Ruzicka, Stephen Koenigsfeld, Joanne and Harry Frein, Genevieve and Ralph Haus, Elaine Koenigsfeld Menges, Jay (Pete) Craven, and Theresa Farrington. 

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and their four children, Diane (Perry) Steinhandler, Susan (Terrence) Finn, Joseph (Kathleen) Streit, and Nicholas F. (Lisa) Streit; his 9 grandchildren, Tracy (Rene) Gonzalez, Zachary (Laura) Steinhandler, Rebecca Finn (Zane Kenney), Natalie (Daniel) Thorstensen, Daniel (Stephanie) Finn, Michael Finn, Amy Streit, Ava VanDommelen, and Shane VanDommelen; and 10 great-grandchildren, Griffin, Gage, and Gustavo Gonzalez, Max, Ella, and Charles Steinhandler, Samuel and Jacob Thorstensen, and Cayden and Barrett Finn. Nick is also survived by sisters-in-law and brothers-in law, Nancy Ruzicka, Mary Koenigsfeld, Mary Craven, Sharon and Peter Koenigsfeld, Michael Farrington, and Bernadette Hennagir.

Throughout his life, Nick was a dedicated husband and family man.  He passed his love of family, strong work ethic, and appreciation of the outdoors down to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Nick was truly a good man who inspired those around him to be better.  He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. 

Despite many recent health challenges, Nick continued to enjoy his life in Wisconsin, especially when family came to visit.  His family expresses their appreciation to Nick’s friends and all who made his life easier and more pleasant these past years. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated for Nicholas Monday June 13, 2022 at 11:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church (310 Bluff St  La Valle, WI  53941) Reverend Donald Bauer, Pastor of St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Hillsboro will be the Celebrant. Visitation will also be on Monday, at the church from 10 a.m.until the time of Mass.  A graveside service with military rites will be held at the Oak Lawn Cemetery in LaValle. For live streaming, please visit the streaming link below.

Online condolences can be made at https://www.farberfuneralhome.com/obituary/Nicholas-Streit

Memorials in Nick’s name may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project or Healthwell Foundation.

https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=10043

https://www.healthwellfoundation.org/donate/

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