Paul Strelkow

Paul Strelkow, 86, was born Jan. 19, 1927 and would have celebrated his 65th wedding anniversary on May 3, 2013. His death on March 9, 2013 means he will barely miss his special anniversary, but he did not miss one moment of the love story that began on their special wedding day. Paul met his sweetheart, Mildred “Milly”, where she worked at a soda fountain in Pittsburgh, PA. Lana Turner may have gotten a contract to Hollywood, but Milly won the heart of her returning WW II Navy Veteran, Paul. Paul came back from his tour of duty in Okinawa and married the love of his life on May 3, 1948. They began their married life in Pittsburgh and before long they added two adoring daughters to their family. Everyone remembers Paul’s amazing green eyes that sparkeled when he smiled. They sparkled all the time when he was seen anywhere with his most beloved daughters, Cheryl Ann Parnis and Susan Strelkow. Paul worked in the Steel Industry throughout his career. While still living in Pittsburgh, he was an active member of his parish. He was a member of the Men’s Adoration Society and a Eucharistic Minister for St. Margaret’s Church. Paul was known for humbleness, his kind heart, his laughter and love of life no matter what adversity was thrown his way. He particularly was known for being the biggest fan of all times and a life long member of “Steeler Nation”. He was a season ticket holder beginning in 1942 and only agreed to relinquish those tickets to his nephews Greg and Mark, when he moved away to Texas and they took an oath to continue the “Strelkow Cheering Section”. Paul, and Milly moved onto Texas, and that too turned out to be a new chapter in their adventure together. They spent a wonderful thirty years in Texas. Sports were always big for Paul and Houston is big on sports. Paul loved Texas! Paul worked for Brown & Root in Houston, now, Halliburton, until his retirement. Since retirement he stayed active gardening, fishing, watching his beloved Westerns, singing to country western music and enjoying big band music. He loved to travel with his Milly. Their trip to Eastern Europe to visit the land of his ancestors for their 50th anniversary was a highlight for a life spent being a loving husband and wonderful father. We love you, Daddy. You will always be an inspiration to us and we will draw on your strength and courage. Thank you for being the very best father there ever was. Cheryl and Susan The Strelkow family will be present to receive friends Monday, March 18, 2013 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a Holy Rosary being recited at 7:00 PM in the Chapel of Dettling Funeral Home, 14094 Memorial Dr. @ Kirkwood in Houston. The Funeral Mass will commence Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 10:30 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079. The Committal service will follow mass at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider contributions in Paul’s memory to the American Heart Association, Houston Chapter at www.heart.org. In lieu of flowers please consider contributions in Paul’s memory to the American Heart Association, Houston Chapter at www.heart.org.

Paul Strelkow

January 19, 1927 - March 9, 2013