Neal C.W. Strehlow

Neal C.W. Strehlow of Wautoma passed away January 25^th in Wautoma.  Born in Milwaukee on June 17, 1937, the only child of Walter and Ruth (nee Popp) Strehlow.

In 1952, at age 15, he met Judy Kremer at a youth group church picnic at Greenfield Park.  They married in 1958 at Cross Lutheran Church.  In 1959 they welcomed a son, Mark, who passed away in 1995.  In 1967 they adopted Christine, and in 1969 daughter Becky was born.  Judy proceeded Neal in death on June 6, 2022.  They were married for 63 years.

Neal graduated from North Division High School in 1955.  He proudly served 20 years as a police officer with the Milwaukee Police Department obtaining the ranks of detective and sergeant.   While working he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Police Science at MATC, and a Master’s in Education from the UWM– Milwaukee.  

In 1980, the family moved to Appleton when Neal accepted the position as a criminal justice instructor at Fox Valley Technical College.  He later became its the Director of the Law Enforcement Police Academy and the Director of the Nuclear Security Officer Training Academy.   Neal worked for FVTC for 35 years.  He also was an adjunct professor at Mount Scenario College and Concordia University for many years.  He served as a commissioner of East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.   In retirement he served several terms as a supervisor for the Town of Mount Morris.

Neal volunteered throughout his life at Berea, Covenant, Faith and Trinity Lutheran churches as a Sunday School teacher, youth group leader, girls’ softball coach and as an elder.

Neal was passionate about “The Lake”, fishing, his faith, his family and law enforcement.  He was instrumental in making FVTC a leader in criminal justice education nationwide.   He demanded high standards from his thousands of students whether they were police recruit officers, associate degree students or officers obtaining specialized training.  Neal was the recipient of great respect and appreciation from those having taken his classes.  With his engaging smile, he was a genuine friend to all.

Neal is survived by his daughters Christine (Todd) Williams and Rebecca (David) Hildeman; daughter-in-law Gloria Strehlow. He was grandpa to Ryan (Alexis), Mitchell (Jackie), Kari (Jerry) and Matthew and great-grandpa to Landon, Cameron and Hayden.  Another great-grandson is expected in April.

Visitation will be held on February 2nd from 2-3pm and service and dinner to follow at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wautoma.  Burial at Union Cemetery, Wautoma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church.  Leikness Funeral Home is handling arrangements.