Mary Ellen (Coleman) Strehlo

Mary Ellen (Skeet) Coleman Strehlo passed away June 23, 2022 in Bemidji, Minnesota.  Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend.  

A memorial for Mary, as well as her husband Dan who passed away in March, is planned for August 20th, at Diamond Point Park in Bemidji, from 1-5pm.  Please join the family to share fond memories of Mary and Dan.

Mary was born on May 4, 1954 in Van Nuys, California as the fourth of six children to James and Mary Jane Coleman.  The family moved to Alaska where she enjoyed her childhood, and graduated high school from Sitka in 1972.

Mary met her husband Dan in Anchorage where he was stationed in the Army, and they were married in 1974.  Soon after, Mary, husband Dan, and son Zachary moved to Hudson, Wisconsin.  Mary loved being a mom and raising her two children, now including daughter, Erin Lea.  The family moved to several different communities in Minnesota, including Glenwood, Fairmont, Morris, St Cloud, and finally settled in Bemidji in 2001.

Mary enjoyed many different hobbies at different times of her life.  Early in life she was an avid bowler, and later also enjoyed golf, quilting, and baking.  Her chocolate chip oatmeal cookies were always a family favorite.  

In her mid-twenties Mary was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and despite facing a degenerative disease she always maintained a positive attitude.  Her smile was infectious and her sense of humor was obvious to everyone around even to her last days.  

Mary is preceded in death by her devoted husband Dan, as well as siblings Michael Coleman, and Helen Austin.  She is succeeded by her siblings, David, Larry, and Carol as well as her children Zach, of Kirkland WA, and his family, and daughter Erin, of Peoria, IL and her family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation of support to the National MS Society.

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