Holly Joy Strickland

Holly Strickland, age 68, of Sparta, WI, formerly of Owen, WI died Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Gunderson Health System in La Crosse, WI.

Holly Joy Clapper was born on December 25, 1950 in Oconto, WI the 7^th child of Ivandene Franis Pearson and Leslie William Clapper. Her father died in 1954 of a heart attack leaving his wife and 9 children. Holly entered 1^st grade in 1956 at Abrams, WI. Circumstances came together in 1960 when Holly’s mother and step-father, Louis Techmeier were married. Mr. Techmeier was a dairy farmer from Lena and the family moved to Lena, WI, where Holly enjoyed milking cows and riding horses with her siblings. She attended a 2-room country school (Sunnybrook) from 1960 – 1964 (That’s where she was when President Kennedy was killed). From 1964 – 1967 she attended Lena High School. For her senior year she lived with her aunt, Kate in Indianapolis, IN and graduated in 1969. She moved back to Lena, WI and married Lloyd Anderson in 1969. A daughter, LaVonne was born in 1970. They divorced in 1972, and in 1974, she married Lynn Strickland. Three children were born to them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Shiela Jarsonbeck and Maureen Barnhardt, one brother, Chris Clapper, brothers-in-law, Jerry and Jack Strickland and a niece, Wendy Eland.

She is survived by three daughters, LaVonne (Tom) Griffin of New Brighton, MN, Nicole (Bryant) Moritz of Slinger, WI and Michelle (Mike) Larsen of Sparta, WI, a son, William Strickland of Madison, WI, 9 grandchildren, and further survived by sisters, Sherry (Dave) Perlott, Leslie Van Hulle, Linda Powell, Lana (Terry) Porter and Heather (Tom) Shannon and brothers, Bryan and Barry Clapper.

Funeral Services for Holly will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at the Bible Baptist Church in Neillsville. Pastor Joseph L. Matthews will officiate. Interment will be in the Neillsville City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Tuesday at the Bible Baptist Church.

Casket Bearers are family members: Will Strickland, Bryant Moritz, Mike Larsen, Tom Griffin, Jake Griffin and Jordan Griffin.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to Mom’s favorite charities: Pro-Life Wisconsin (text donation to 262-217-0229); Wisconsin Family Council, PO Box 14440 Madison WI 53708; Wisconsin Christian News, 4404 Rib Mtn Dr. #229 Wausau, WI 54401; or Liberty Counsel, PO Box 540774 Orlando, FL 32854. 

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Holly’s family with Funeral arrangements.