Christian Biography of Raymond "Butch" Fay Stratman

Raymond "Butch" Fay Stratman, the son of Dale and Bernice (Swihart) Stratman, was born on July 29, 1943, in Superior, Nebraska. He passed away on October 4, 2025, at Accura Healthcare of Fullerton, Nebraska at the age of 82 years.

Butch graduated from Lovewell High School, Lovewell, Kansas in 1961. Upon graduating he enlisted with the United States Navy on June 1, 1961, and was honorably discharged on July 23, 1964. A month later, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Janice Mettler on August 29, 1964 at Lovewell.  To this union were born 2 children, Leslie and Stacey.   Butch was most proud of raising two wonderful children.  Nothing was more important to him than his children, granddaughters, and extended family.

Butch earned a degree in construction technology at Central Nebraska Tech in Hastings, Nebraska.  He worked on various construction projects and then became a self-employed contractor, building and remodeling homes.  He later became a rural mail carrier until retiring in 2013.

Butch was involved with the Clay Center youth scouting program in the early 80's and continued through the 90's.  He was also a Nebraska hunter safety instructor for 25 years.

Butch's skilled hands and attention to detail fit well with his many hobbies including woodworking, stained glass, and leatherwork.  His patience was a benefit as an avid golfer, hunter and trapper.

A man of Christian faith, he had a huge heart for children and led bible study for the young at heart.  He was an Elder for several years with the Clay Center Christian Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Bernice; brothers Robert Lee and Jon Kirk.  Survivors include his wife Janice of Clay Center, Nebraska; son Leslie (Laurie) Stratman of St. Libory, Nebraska; and daughter Stacey (Michael) Warner of Anchorage, Alaska; two granddaughters Rachael (Ben) Voss and Rayna Warner, siblings Jacklyn (John) Risewick, Jerry (Jane) Stratman and Dawn (Rex) Bailey; other relatives and a host of friends.

Memorial Services with military honors will be held at: Clay Center Christian Church, Clay Center, Nebraska
Time of Service: Friday, October 10, 2025 at 10:30 am
Clergy: Pastor Chad Ferguson
Burial with military honors: Fairview Cemetery, rural Webber KS
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Clay Center Ambulance Fund in care of the funeral home.
Book Signing Visitation: From 5:00 pm-8:00 pm on Thursday with the family present at the Clay Center Christian Church

Funeral Home: Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 Phone 402-879-3900

Flowers can be ordered at Main Street Floral in Superior-402-879-8444