Walter Strasser, 66, of Hibbing, died Thursday, May 9, 2013, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

He was born on March 5, 1947, in Frankenburg, Austria to Josef and Helena (Fischer) Strasser.

Walter and his parents were one of the many post-war Middle European families who immigrated to the United States and settled in Northeast Minnesota after being befriended by the late Congressman John Blatnik. Walter grew up in Duluth and became a naturalized citizen.

He graduated from Duluth East High School in 1965. He went on to attend the University of Minnesota Duluth where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Information Technology.

He was a long-time volunteer at the Duluth Playhouse where he met his future wife Mary Angela Zygmanski while they were both working on a production of Carousel. They were married on Oct. 22, 1982, at the Strasser family cabin on Lake Nichols near Cotton. They made their home in Hibbing.

Walter began his professional career at WDIO-TV in Duluth. He was the assistant administrator at the then Leisure Hills Nursing Home in Hibbing. Subsequently, he worked at Edwards Oil Company in Virginia until his retirement.

Walter was a sophisticated listener of classical music and was actively involved in the Mesabi Opera Theater productions. An avid reader, he also served on the Hibbing Public Library board. Walter was also a staunch supporter of Mary Angela's teaching career and her many speech, theater, and piano students. He loved sailing on Lake Superior and science, most especially astronomy, anthropology, and archeology. Walter had happy memories of the many travels he and Mary Angela had enjoyed nationally and internationally. His eye was forever trained on the horizon for upcoming travel adventures. Walter took an avuncular, though low-profile, interest in the Minnesota Twins, whom he habitually referred to as 'our lads.'

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; and his in-laws Leo and Rose (Marinelli) Zygmanski.

Walter is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mary Angela; his younger brother Robert of Utah; his uncles Anton 'Tony' (Mary) of Alexandria, Minn., and Michael of Rosemount, Minn.; and many cousins and friends.

SERVICE: 11 a.m. on Monday, June 17, in Immaculate Conception Church, Hibbing. Visitation will be held for one hour before the service in the church. Inurnment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery, Hibbing. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor's charity of choice.

Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home, Hibbing. To leave an online message of condolence, visit www.doughertyofhibbing.com.

Posted By: Administrator - 06-17-2013
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