Hugo “Buck” Strike, Jr., age 81, of Isanti died at home February 4, 2023 after a 14 month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Funeral service 11 A.M. Friday, February 10th at New Hope Community Church in Isanti. Visitation 4 – 7 P.M. Thursday, February 9th at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. If you desire, memorials suggested to New Hope Community Church or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Hugo “Buck” was born June 11, 1941 to Hugo and Eva Strike, in the hired hands house, on the Nye family farm (now Nye Nature Center), in Henderson, MN. The family moved back to Isanti, where he was raised, and he attended schools in Isanti & Cambridge, graduating from Cambridge High School in 1959. That fall, Hugo attended the University of Minnesota Mortuary Science program, and graduated from there in 1962. He then served his apprenticeship at the Albin Chapel in Minneapolis, and worked there for 3 years.
In August of 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Elaine Anderson, at the First Baptist Church in Cambridge. After living in Minneapolis for those 3 years, Hugo and Elaine moved back to their home town of Isanti in 1965, and built the building which housed the Strike Funeral Chapel, Elaine’s Flowers & Gifts and their personal living home. They were blessed with two children, Lori & Brian. Brian joined the family business and in 1994 they opened another location in Cambridge.
Hugo & Elaine were very active at Elim Baptist Church (now New Hope Community Church) where Hugo served as a deacon, treasurer, on a building committee, and where together they were youth sponsors, often having 50+ kids in their home on Wednesday evenings, plus several boundary waters youth canoe trips and more. A strong Christian faith was very much a part of their lives, and they continued worshiping at New Hope Community Church. Hugo was also active in the community, serving as a charter member of the Isanti Lions club, involved in the Isanti Commercial Club, served on the Isanti City Council and as Mayor when the city water system was installed, and he also served as Secretary/Treasurer of Isanti Community Services senior housing.
Hugo & Elaine enjoyed camping & canoeing, and vacations from Alaska to Mexico & the Caribbean, and a bit of Europe, especially enjoying the natural beauty of God’s world. Bicycling was a big part of Hugo’s life, riding about 30 miles in the morning before breakfast, as time would allow, and took several bike trips with Jim Klobuchar, Cycle Oregon and in Minnesota & North Dakota. Growing up with sporty Studebakers his parents had, he hoped that if he would ever have a classic car, it would be a Studebaker. On his 80th birthday, that dream came true, and he purchased a 1963 Studebaker Avanti. In November of 2021, after actively working that day, Hugo was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia).
Hugo died at home February 4, 2023 after a 14 month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter and Olga Strike, Axel and Signe Pearson, parents, Hugo Sr. and Eva Strike and several aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elaine; brother, Harlow (Cecelia) Strike; daughter, Lori (Randy) Eggiman; son, Brian (DeAnn) Strike, 8 grandchildren; Erica (Jamie) Hardwick, Brett (Aleah) Eggiman, Aaron (Aubrey) Eggiman, Evan Eggiman, Brian Strike, Jr., Madelyn Strike, Lexi Glomski and Max Glomski; 6 great-grandchildren; Autumn Lippert, Cole, Jamie and Branch Hardwick, Maren Eggiman and Elsie Eggiman; nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.
Kathy Thunstrom says
Elaine and family, we are sorry for your loss. Buck always had a smile and talk when he saw people in public. Many fond memories of Buck. He will be missed. He is in the arms of Jesus now. Love and prayers, Tom and Kathy Thunstrom
Mark Geving says
Hugo was a true icon of Isanti. I know he was there providing comfort to many families in the area, including mine. Comfort and prayers to his friends and family. RIP Hugo
Cathy Strand says
Dear Strike Family, Hugo and Elaine have served us in many celebrations, from flowers for births, weddings, anniversaries to the final goodbyes we have said to our loved. I have always appreciated your gentle kindness, guidance in the unknown, patience, warm smiles, welcoming handshakes, and words that gave us comfort, whenever we walked into your doors. Hugo, has always been there to give us comforting hugs when we were at our saddest. Hugo, open his generous heart to the Community of Isanti and Elim Church family and friends. He will be truly missed by so many people.
My deepest sympathies for Elaine, Lori, Brian and families.
Sincerely,
Cathy Jo Anderson-Strand
DeeAnn Kuznia says
I am so sorry to hear this news. What a wonderful man he was. I worked with him for many years when I worked for the Coroner’s office. Always kind. Prayers to his entire family.
Pete and Chris Fell says
We feel privileged to have known Hugo. He was so comforting to us when our Dad passed and always had his gentle smile and kind words. He will be remembered fondly and we appreciated all he did in the community. God bless you at this difficult time.
Craig Killmer says
To Elaine , Lori , Brian and families. My deepest sympathies in the loss of Buck . He always greeted me with a handshake and a smile when we came back to Elim after we moved away . Many fond memories of being a Elim Kid and hanging out in the Strike basement or the pool . May God hold you in the palm of his hand during this time of need ..Much Love 🙏🏻…Craig
Carin Mack says
Sending my condolences to the Strike family, Hugo was a kind and loyal friend to everybody in the community. He always had a nice smile on his face when families were facing hard times at their funeral Home he was there for my family when we lost three members of ours.
John Simeone says
I had the privilege of meeting Hugo several years ago when he and Brian would need the occasional extra help of a licensed embalmer. Over the past 24 years, the majority of my funeral service career has been serving funeral homes with relief embalming services. I’ve served many funeral home owners in that time. I can count on one hand those I truly look up to. Hugo was one of those few. He was the consummate funeral director, funeral home owner and embalmer who selflessly served his community. He was also a gentleman and professional. Right up till last year, Hugo would often roll up his sleeves and join me when the funeral home got busy just to lend a helping hand. Hugo was one of the last of his kind and generation in the funeral business. It was my pleasure to earn his respect. I will cherish the times I had the privilege to work alongside him and miss the tips, tricks and stories we used to share that only a fellow embalmer could understand.
Sandy Buckingham says
Elaine, Lori, Brian and Families. Our deepest condolences in the loss of a great and Godly man! My memories go way back! I remember babysitting for you occasionally WAY back in the day (when your favorite babysitter Brita was unavailable). I remember when my dad was the Chief of Police in Isanti and had lots of interaction with Hugo. I remember growing up in Elim Baptist Church and seeing your family there all the time. I remember the trips to Ukraine and even though Hugo wasn’t often a part of the teams from Elim (as Elaine was), I remember him being there at least one time (I think?) I remember Hugo at many funerals that were held at South Isanti and how kind he always was in his quiet way – such a loving and tender smile on his face. A real Isanti Icon is now gone and it saddens me much. God bless you all as you grieve the loss of “Buck”.
Mary Hallstrom says
Brad and I are so sad to hear about Buck. Hugs to you Elaine as you go through this time. I will miss his smile and soft speech. He always made me smile. I am so glad he gets to be with the Lord.
Bless all of you
Mary and Brad Hallstrom
Sandy Olson says
Elaine and family, So sorry to hear of Hugo’s passing. He was a high school schoolmate. Such a kind and wonderful man who always had a smile and kind words. I know he was a wonderful Christian man who now is out of suffering. May God comfort you now..
Roger and Joan Bostrom says
I graduated with Hugo, He was always a very nice and loving person, and in love with Elaine, a very cute couple. His love and kindness always showed as he served in his mortuary.
Now he is walking with Jesus and totally healed. That is our awesome God
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Jim Cornell says
To the Strike family sorry for you loss. He was a very unique individual who always remember me through many years of help in times of need for friends and family members during there passing . I meet Hugo when I was 9 years old and he talked to me about what I thought and helped me to understand I will always cherish that moment
R.I.P. Hugo Strike God bless you and your family
Joe, Cassandra and Gabriela Rottelo says
To the strike family. We are saddened by the news of Hugos’ passing. I was just thinking of him a couple of weeks ago and thought I hadn’t seen him since the summer of 2021. To Brian, my thoughts are with you my brother and all of your family. Hugo was a special kind of parson and a very rare one at that. His infectious smile and ability to just be in the moment no matter what it was is a gift few have. Anyone who wasn’t happy to see Hugo couldn’t have been from this planet. Rest in peace Mr. Hugo Strike.
Jef Olson says
I cannot talk highly and kindly enough about Buck and Elaine Strike as words do not fully convey the beauty and bounty of their generosity and Christian kindness! Buck’s ministry was to be a steady hand for families and individuals in some of the most difficult moments of their lives, the end of life. He handled it with kindness, compassion and professionalism … I admired him!
In everything, Buck was dedicated role model who through his life showed that hard work and persistence paid off!
I am assuming he will be deeply missed by his wife, children and families, friends and the community at large! May those you leave behind continue in your spirit! Blessings!
Jeff Olson in Costa Rica
PS- Thank you for your generosity to me in the late 80’s and early 90’s! I will never forget!
Vern & Betty Schlipp says
We want to express our sympathy with your loss of the wonderful kind man that touched so many lives-he will continue his work in his eternal home.
Blessings to your family.
Teresa Doble says
Sending love and prayers
Many fond memories 🙏
Russ and Barb Peterson says
Buck was a very kind and gracious man. He was very caring and considerate with our families when our parents went home to heaven. We are praying for the Strike family in their time of loss.
Father Derek Wiechmann says
My condolences to the Strike family upon the passing of Hugo. What a good man! Know of my prayers for each of you.
Barb (Larson) Love says
May the peace of God surround your family in this time of loss. Thank you for being such a blessing in my life.
Burton Sundberg says
I remember the funeral service of Wendell Hammer, who was a good friend !
Hugo has always conducted great memorial services as a Funeral Home Director and also a great Friend in the Lord He put his faith into action in a very honorable way.
My sympathies to his family. Lord Bless You all. Burton Sundberg, Willmar, MN
Jo-Ann Wyatt says
Buck was such a special friendly person. Archie and I used to see him biking on 65 as we were going to the Creamery. He was really spinning those wheels. He was a great professional at his work and made everyone feel welcome in his caring ways. God has taken him home to end his suffering. May God’s peace and strength be with you all.
Mike Carroll says
Elaine and Brian
We have lost someone very special and important to the funeral service community.
Hugo was a true professional and a class act. His presence and friendliness at our continuing education/conventions will be greatly missed! He represented funeral service well to his community of funeral providers and his greater community at large. He did proivide an excellent successor; of which he was very proud! I’m sorry for your great loss; thought we had more time with Buck on this level. Mike Carroll
Paula Lindberg Williamson says
I was sad to hear of Hugo’s passing. Him and Brian have brought the Lindbergs through generations of laying our family to rest. As my aunt Shirley said, it was so comforting to have his smiling face show up when someone passed. Many thanks Bucky.
Carol Jackson says
Elaine and the Strike Family,
I was saddened to learn of Hugo’s death. I remember all of you very fondly when you visited the Ney Nature Center a few years ago and toured the “little house” where he was born. The Strike story is very much a part of the history of the Ney Center and we will cherish those memories. Please know that we all are thinking of you with deep affection and love. May your memories guide you through your grief and as you celebrate his life in the days ahead.
Love,
Carol Jackson
Ney Nature Center Historian
Cliff Theline says
So sorry to hear of Hugo’s passing. Because of serious health issues we we’re not able to attend funeral. Our sympathies to Elaine & families. 🙏
Gary Larson says
Brian, Sherri and I are sorry for the loss of your father. Hugo was a friend, a very good friend to our family. It wasn’t just his business side, he knew and cared for all of us (Lindbergs, Kunzers, Larsons, Sundstroms and Hammers). As our large family faced the inevitable loss of our Seniors, Hugo gave us his suport, emotionally and respectfully. We were very thankful to have become his friend. RIP “Buck”, you will be missed.
Gary and Sherri Larson