Here is proof that one can love, change, mold, build, coach and save countless others, too many to count.  He knows now, but did not know then that he saved someone's life hours before this student felt he had no reason to live.  A true man of God to be so courageous in the seemingly smallest of things, with no one watching.  Me being a father of two little girls, his passing away from this earth is again a blessing to us all, for it reminds us that "Mr. Strelzin", as I called him at Lincoln Junior High, is one to emulate at work, home, with family and friends.  Lifelong faithfulness in what he believed, down to the smallest of things.    ~God Bless

My condolences to the whole Strelzin Family. Paul was my High School Sweetheart. He will always have a special place in my heart

my deepest condolences,will miss that"voice"

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Once a person heard Paul's voice, it would never be forgotten.  We can still hear it in our minds.  He was truly the people's friend in El Paso - an advocate for "right and people's rights."  He was an encourager - a proud man - yes, a giant of a man, and a tremendous human being.  God's blessings on you!

I got to meet Paul thanks to a  mutual friend who worked with him at Bowie. He was one of the most down-to-earth gentlemen I have met. He loved his students and made sure they were safe and cherished and encouraged. Being an educator, he was an inspiration to me and I know, to other educators as well. He never let down the students or his teachers. He worried about and cared for us and always spoke up for us. 

To the Strelzin family, as deep as El Paso's loss is your family has lost a father and grandfather who was dear to you. My deepest condolences to you all. Thank you for sharing him these many years with the rest of us! 

Elizabeth Speed
Newman ES/CharleMS/Andress HS 
NE El Paso

My condolences to his entire family. I met him at H.E. Charles Elementary and he told me to never forget who I was, where I came from & with my smile I would conquer the world!! Every time I had to speak in public or felt nervous about meeting someone I would remember his words & smile.. I felt so empowered from that moment on, sometimes we don't realize how powerful our words are to a child and that is something I have cherished through out my life. I thank you for blessing me with your kind words and laughter.

Still so hard to believe that The Strelz is gone, but what a joy to have known him. I met Paul when I was an off-ice official for the Buzzards in 1999 and we hit it off as two "northeast transplants" to the Sun City. I am so honored to have had the chance to work with him at Buzzards games for a few years, and always enjoyed running into him around town and at the station. He was one of a kind and even though I am long gone from El Paso, the memories don't fade. My deepest condolences to the Strelzin family at this time.

Nina I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless you in this time of sorrow.  Allison and Celia

I am so very proud to say that I worked as an usher at the Miners basketball games for 20 years during the 70s & 80s and was able to experience "The Strelz" in person. It was an experience I will never forget. But I just found out that my  35 year old Daughter"s math teacher in middle school was "The Strelz". My daughter has had a job in accounting for the past 15 years. I never knew how or when she decided she loved math until I talked to her the other day about "The Strelz" passing away. Currently she lives in Cloudcroft and did not hear the news. She explained to me that Mr. Paul (as she was given permission by him to call address him like that) saw her abilities in math and challenged her to learn more. He made a big difference in her life and I just wanted his family to know he touched so many lives in so many ways. He was a generous soul & our prayers are with you at this time of your loss.

Dear Darlene and Family:
My condolences, my thoughts and my prayers are with you.  Be happy to have shared your life with such a wonderful person.
Teresa Perez

Mrs. Strelzen, I am so sorry for your loss, but I know that he is waiting for you at the gates of Heaven.

Your booming voice still rings out, you will be missed Strelz. Buzzards  1996 - 98

To my favorite Principal, "El Strelz". Thanks for everything and all the support you gave us while at Roberts Elementary and Lincoln Middle School. From most of us "Bagos" at Sandoval Apts.

My deepest condolences to The Stelzin family. Just being in the same room with The Strelz was a vitamin for the heart and soul. He was always so proud of his family,  his girls and actually anyone from El Paso who gave it their all in school, work and life. He will never be forgotten nor will his passion for making El Paso a better place. Thank you and God Bless.

My deepest condolences to the Strelzin Family. I have a fond memory of Mr. Strelzin reading to the class when I was in the first grade. Sara (Miss Strelzin), my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Darlyne,Sandra,Laura,and Sara
There are no words to express my feelings on Paul's departure from this world, only that he is in my prayers for his eternal rest and you are in my prayers for comfort and courage.  My heartfelt condolences.  It was indeed a pleasure to have know and be called friend my Paul Strelzin. Love to all of you.
Mary Ida Torres

I am so sorry my condolences to family, Igot to know Mr Strelzin. He was my perncilple n roberts elementry in the 1882. He was always willing to help the poor, his goodnees will not be forgotten easy.rest in peace Mr Strelzin

I am so sorry for loss. I met Paul through a good friend who has passed himself David Morris. I remember one night I was going to referee a basketball game at Bowie. The Bears were going to play Jeff and Paul sees me at halfcourt and comes up to me and gives me a big hug and says man its good to see you. I told paul you can't do that he he starts to laugh. Well, I started to laugh also. Paul will be missed. A great guy has gone to Heaven.

My deepest condolences to Mr. Strelzin's family during this difficult time.  He was the Principle when I attended H.E. Charles.  Always had something positive to say to the students.  He will truly be missed.

To the family
Loved him when he announced the Buzzards games, especially year 1 when they won the championship.  My kids and I had seats not too far behind where he announced and they would wear their Red Wing (we were from the Detroit area) jerseys and he would recognize them during the game.  They thought that was the greatest.  Another great man passes.

Darlene and Family, Blessings  to you during this very difficult time. We are very sorry for your loss. Paul was a great man to all who knew him.

Mr. Strelzin,

for all you shared, you're God's proof how we can share his care & share in different way's.  You were one of he's few LIVING PROOF'S!!! Thank you for all the blessed memories and all hershy's with Gatorade you shared during halftime while coaching in Guillen, "turkey".   Tury Jacquez

To Darlene and his beautiful daughters, my condolences and prayers are with you. Meeting Paul during a time when we shared opposing views became the beginning of a wonderful friendship filled with mutual respect and admiration.   Paul will always be a legend, he gave much more than what he took, he was fearless and such a funny warm human being. See you on the other side my friend.

Paul was the most genuine man I have ever met. He and his wife would always stop in the middle of our street on Los Altos to say hello whenever I was tending to the front yard. Although he was with his wife most of the time you know who would do all of the talking! He would comment on how great the yard that I was constantly working on looked and would joke to see if I had changed my mind about being for hire to transform his yard to look like mine. It wouldn't have mattered if there were a line of cars behind him he was going to stop and say 'hello' for a minute or two no matter what. I couldn't help but to think of his Miner basketball days as he always spoke with the same unique pronounced voice he used throughout his media career. As I wrote on a previous online comment when a certain news reporter was attacking the El Paso teachers while Paul used every media source to defend them fervently! "Paul is good for teaching, Paul is good for humanity and Paul is good for El Paso!" El Paso has truly lost one of if not it's best ambassador ever! You will be missed by me Paul! Glad I was lucky enough to meet you!

Truly a gift to the young people in our community. Paul's enthusiasm and encouragement energized every campus he worked at and created the idea that big, loud 
dreams are worth reaching for! He inspired me to reach higher with our students. We'll miss the legend. Peace to your family.

Mr Paul Stelzin will never be forgotten. He touched so many people's lives.  He was and Is the kind of person you want meet and know.  He always made people laugh and smile. I was at Lincoln middle when he was principle. Mr strelzin rest now. You will forever be in our hearts.  God please bless the family in this hard time...

The Garcia family.

Grew up listening to The Strelz, call games and have a blast doing it. I've been gone from El Paso, for many years, and he continues to be a part of my memories. Peace Mr. Strelzin.

Dear Strelzin Family,  So sorry for your loss.  His presence could never be ignored in life and will never be forgotten.  I remember the Mexico City flight I took with Paul- what a trip!

I was a young reporter with the El Paso Herald-Post and then the El Paso Times in the late 80s and early 90s when I met Paul. As a native and lifelong El Pasoan to that point, he was larger than life to me. Once I met him, I discovered how genuine and nice he was to everyone. One of the my memorable assignments for the Times was following him around school (he was a middle school principal, I believe) for a day and presenting readers the other "Strelz" ... the man not behind the microphone. I remember how much his students genuinely cared for him, how much he cared for them and how much he affected those children in a good manner. I did the same a couple of years later after he moved across to Bowie High School and it was exactly the same. The students and administration loved him and it was returned in whole and genuinely. That is the Paul Strelzin I knew. May he rest in peace.

A legend has passed.  He will truly be missed. Rest in peace Mr. Strelzin.

Some of our fondest childhood memories were at Dudley with Paul Strelzin's voice. Thank you for being part of our childhood and El Paso, Gob Bless and Rest in Peace.

My condolences to Sandra and the rest of the family.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I am very proud to have known him.  He was such a great supporter of law enforcement.   Robert Almonte

My condolences to the Strelzin Family.  I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Strelzin in one of our school graduations and had the honor in introducing him as our Key Note Speaker for that year.  RIP!

its mmmmmminer ball, the el pasoooooooooodiablos, el pasoooooooooooobuzzrdsssssssss....R.I.P. PAUL, WE ARE GOING TO MISS YOU, until we meet again

I was very saddened to hear about Mr. Strelzin's passing.  I remember him from HE Charles where I was a student.  I can still hear his voice over the intercom, so loud and full of life.  My condolences go out to all his family and friends.  He will be deeply missed.  RIP

Thanks for taking my calls on the radio.  You were truly one of a kind and you always had your finger on the pulse of the poor, the needy.....thank you for your wonderful kindness.  Vaya con dios

Mr Paul Strelzin,yes you were a great father, grandfather and a great freind to many,but your ability to remember names,events, people's faces and places with such fantastic detail will always remain a strong memory of you.My conversations about the Brooklyn Dodgers and  Chama ,the train ride on the spectacular scenic route of the Cumbres Pass really made for some lasting memories.One more thing,always remember "once a Bear,always a bear"RIP

Darlene and Family, my mom and I would like to let you all know how sorry we are about the death of Paul. He was a wonderful person and Boss to me and I was very grateful to have worked under him at Lincoln Jr. High. He was behind me 100 percent in everything. He always praised my mom for having worked 51yrs in the school district. He never had only the good things to say about my mom and dad. He took care of me when I was in trouble and helped me get passed it. I know he is God's Kingdom and in his arms. May God Bless you and your entire family. We both Love you all very much.
 Miss Diane Sue Rayon and My Mom Mrs. Maria B. Rayon.

To the one and only 'Pop Schultz'  we'll miss you.  We had some great times at NEC and SAB.  
Dennis

Darlene & Family, Our hearfelt sympathy and much love, as you go through this time of grief. May a lifetime of wonderful memories give strength to you and the family in the day ahead. Oscar & Socorro (Suki) Hernandez

Sincere condolences & prayers go out to the Strelzin family.  He was an awesome person a great principal!  I'll never forget his great voice & that awesome red mustang he drove!  Rest in peace Mr. Strelzin.  You won't be forgotten!

What a Privilege it was for those of us fortunate enough to have been touched by Mr. Strelzin's courage, class and decency. He exemplified his respect for us educators at Bowie High School with firm but fair leadership. Thank you, Mr. Strelzin, for your loyal and cherished kindness to our family. May God's grace and peace be with the Strelzin family. Paul is now in the loving embrace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

My prayers & thoughts are with the Strelzin family. Always had great respect & admiration for Paul.

I was fortunate to have been a reporter and friend during your glory days. You made me laugh even though I had to grit my teeth sometimes when your Mouth said things I did not agree with. You will be missed. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family. Betty Ligon

Thank you Mr. Strelzin a True Bear that love his kids was always there for us guide us to our future always showing the school pride always  backing up La BOWIE

I will never forget those chats we had at the El Paso Generals football games. I remember when you told me to always keep my head up when it came to the simplicities of life. 

Thank You Mr. Strelzin My deepest condolences go out to your family.

My Condolences go out to Paul Strelzin's family.


Deepest sympathies to Paul's family. He will be missed. We used to listen to him when we lived in El Paso. Tony was a guest on his show several times. So glad we had the opportunity to meet & know Strelz. RIP, Paul.

Thoughts and Prayers to the Strelzin family. Just as we have lost some our city landmarks El Paso wont be the same without Paul Strelzin.

Sending my symphathy to Darlyne, Sandra, Sara, Laura and Pauls beloved grandchildren. So saddened by the news of Paul's passing. May GOD Bless and be with you always.

I had the pleasure of havingt Mr. Strelzin as one of our teachers at Guillen middle at the mid 70's. We called him turkey, because it was what he used to call us. I had been in this country only for a year and my english was real bad. but coach Strelzin did not care and always treat me and my brother with a lot of respect. I always saw coch as a person who care about us, regardles of our financial status. I know there is no words to bring him back, but I would like to tell his family that you were very lucky to have a person like coach Strelzin in your life. God bless you. Juan Sanchez(guillen gators)

We will always remember you as the best of all Gradpa's.  Gilbert and Cecilia Rosas

Paul was a bigger than life educator and sports icon. His love for the children of El Paso was unmatched, as was his love of El Paso sports. I truly was blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with this great administrator at Lincoln Junior High and to enjoy his antics at UTEP sporting events. May he rest peacefully.

We will always remember "Uncle Paul", as my brother, Bobby P. Howard Jr., called him spoke for my brother's funeral in 1994.

We are going to miss you...

Sincerely,

Richard Howard and Family

Our Dear Paul: counseled our son , "David Nino Rodriguez" when Paul was principal at Lincoln. Paul taught my daughter Tresha, when he first arrived in El Paso. Paul's lovely wife, Ms Strelzin, taught my  daughter,Nicole, at Western Hills, and Paul coached Bliss 
Elementery school team as David Rodriguez, my husband, coached one year at Login. I saw Paul frequently at JCC as he had avid interest in his grandchildren, where my grandchild also attends.  He was just a great love to all and complete positive influence. His last words to me about a week ago, was asking about my boxer son.  Paul just cannot be replaced in our hearts.. He was a gift. Patricia and David Rodriguez and family. El Paso

My heart is so heavy, full of sadness at our loss but I am so grateful to have been a part of so many happy memories and to have known a kind and loving man like Grandpa Strelzin. Several times today I smiled and had this thought... What was it like when Grandpa Strelz reached heaven? We know he ANNOUNCED his arrival and made himself at home. He immediately introduced himself to the world's greatest athletes and told them about the time he watched, read or studied their records and stats. Then I imagine he sat down with his Dad, Mimi and all those that made it to heaven before him, cheered them with his Diet Coke and told them all about how proud he was of his beautiful, perfect wife, his amazing, smart and successful daughters and son-in-laws and the grandkids, oh, the grandkids! The loves of his life, his pride and joys! A true family man! He loved all the families he knew just as his own; from the kids he taught and inspired, to the sports and politics and all the people he worked with, he knew their families and had love for them all. God Bless you Paul and I pray for the family's strength during the coming days.

Mr. Strelzin nicknamed me "Red". Not only because I had red hair but he liked to tease me and give me a hard time for being a Morehead Red Raider when I was little. His voice is unforgettable as is he.

I will never forget the wonderful giant with the big heart that was my assistant principal at Robert's elementary.  He had big and loving heart for all of us.God bless Darlene and his family.
Elsie Palmore
El Paso,TX.

Our sincere condolences to the Strelzin family. How lucky to have had such a special man in your lives. Thanks for sharing him to El Paso.  We have such fond memories of going to Las Vegas with him and Darlene hearing him yell at the crap tables and winning and yelling "Go Baby".  May God be with you Paul. Sincerely, Frank and Yolie Hernandez

Mr. Strezlin, thank you for the wonderful memories at Guillen and for being a great teacher.  You truly are and will always be a great man.  My deepest condolences to the family.

I worked with Paul in the late seventies or early 80's at "The Pass, FM 94" for a short while. His 5:30 a.m. "GOOD MORNING, EL PASO!!!" was a real wake up for an overnite DJ weary from a 6 hour graveyard shift.  He was a very polite man always ready to shoot the bull with his unique sense of humor.  As it turned out, he knew my Dad well from his work within the EPISD at Bowie High. Dad worked there for 30 years.  He will surely be missed across all areas where he served.  My deepest condolences to the entire family.  You are in my prayers.  Paul, old friend, Rest In Peace!

Our condolences go out to you and your family. Wally and Connie Hartley

I remember Paul from my first year, 1962, on the faculty at New England College, Henniker, NH.  He was without doubt the most dynamic personality on the campus.  And who can forget Pop Schultz's store.                                                                         

Cope Murray, Professor of Theatre Arts

Condolences to the family for your sad loss and, especially,
to his sister Lynn--a friend.

my biggest sympathy to his family and his wife and children. It was a great honor meeting him back on the days at Bowie High School as one of the best principals I had a honor meeting always caring for his students and their education and their abilities....all I can say it was a great man loving and caring he will always being remember for who he was as person may lord have him on his glory

My heart and prayers go out to the Strelzin family.  Mr. Strelzin was a wonder person.  He was my guardian angel and look out for me and my mom throughout my college years at UTEP.  He was the best.  I just realized he served in the same regiment as my father who died when I was baby.  I Definitely now I know he was sent from heaven.  I will miss you dearly Mr. Strelzin and thank you for your kindness.  I love you!

May our love for you brighten your path to Heaven.  God Bless you & your loved ones.  RIP

Mr. Strelzin thank you for being there when no one was, you are the kind of person we carry in our hearts wherever we go..the best principal i could ask for, Lincoln middle School and myself will never forget you....

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

Mr. Strelzin, you were my assistant principal when I was in 6th grade at Robert's Elementary. I remember your voice would get everyone's attention when you spoke!  That was almost 30 years ago. I know you kept me in line and I was always on my best behavior. I also remember you sharing stories about your daughters.  I can still see you smiling as you shared your stories with us. May you rest in peace Mr. Strelzin.  To the family of Mr. Strelzin, God bless you. I'm sorry for your loss.

My heart and prayers are with you all.  Words can not describe what an AMAZING man your husband, father & grandfather was.  I will never forget how loving, caring, forgiving and understanding he was and will always be to me.  We lost an amazing man.  I heart is broken these past few days.  Love you all.  Prayers and lots of love.

Paul may you rest in peach and may God find a baseball game in heaven for you to get the crowd going! I was a big fan growing up a Diablos fan of your famous line "We want a hit! We want a hit!" That's was classic! God bless your loved ones through your passing. 

El Pasoan/Major Leaguer
Ruben Felix

Hey Pablo, you were a good friend.  We will never forget that, nor will you be forgotten.  May God grant his love and peace to you, and may He bless Darlyne with His peace that passes all understanding.

I remember Paul as my elementary school coach @ Newman Elementary in 1969 as he started his career in education and he stood out as an exceptional man, father, and husband...my sincere condolences to his wonderful wife and three special daughters....I too have a wife and three daughters and can't imagine the void he's leaving....Rest in Peace Paul and God Bless your family....

Enjoyed your antics at announcing, especially during the old volleyball games at the civic center when he rode the stick pony playing theme to the Lone Ranger.  Will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.

To the Strelzin Family,
Paul was not only my principal at Lincoln Middle School in 1990, but he walked me down the isle in Sedona, Arizona when I married the love of my life.  I will never forget how Paul was such a great friend to all.  He never met a stranger!  The world has lost a great man. God bless you all! Love, Ranie Cahill and family.

Hillside school in 1966-67. was in a mental retardation class. Coach Strelzin shout out loud Kurita I want you to play ball for me

STRELZIN FAMILY, back in 1966-67,I was placed in a program, at Hillside Elemantary, where they would put all special ed students or anyone with any type of disability, because I was hearing impaired. Coach Stelzin came up to me one day and shouted out loud, "Hey Kurita, I want you to play ball for me!" I told him I could'nt play because I was in a mental retardation class. He said, "You can hear me huh? You can talk huh?" I said, "Yes sir!" "Well, how would you like to be in a regular 4th grade classroom?" I said, "Yes sir." "Well get on the phone and call your dad." I did and Dad asked me, "Can you handle it?" I said "Yes sir!" Doors opened up for me!!  I truly believe that if it hadn't been for Coach Strelzin, I would'nt be where I am today. I have been an educational interpreter for 30 plus years at E.P.I.S.D. and am also a Realtor. Smile, your student KURITA !!!  LOVE YOU COACH !!!!!

wow!!!!   to me you have and always will be the voice of el paso!  you will be missed!

Gone but never forgotten, Asta la vista BABE!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Paul Strelzin,
   Thanks to Paul Strelzin me and my girlfriend are RED RAIDERS!!!! He encourage us to come to this great university and now my girlfriend is graduating in three weeks. Thank you again "STRELZ" from a former Bowie High School Student I want to pay my respects to you. my prayers go out to you and your family. GUNS UP and rest in peace BABY!!!!

Vaya con Dios Amigo! You were and always be Mr. El Paso.  You will be sorely missed by this town you called home.  We love you Strelz.

Mr. Strelzin, you were such a wonderful and caring Principal at Bowie.  You provided your students with your protection when needed.  As a single parent, I appreciated knowing that my daughter was safe as long as you were there.  To the Strelzin family, our deepest condolences. God rewards those that are so giving; may God bring you peace. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.   Julie Carrasco and Charlene Carrasco Banks (Texarkana).

Thank you for all you did for the people 0f El Paso. You will be missed.

Strelzin Family,
I had the honor of having Mrs. Strelzin for third grade at Western Hills and Mr. Strelzin as Principal at Roberts.

I will always remember him showing us how to roll an orange down the forearm to his bicep and hit it right back to his hand. I show that to my kids now and they love it.
He  made a great lasting impression.

God bless the Family.

To the Strelzin family
I pray God will give you all the love, peace and comfort that you all will need to get pass this difficult stage of your life. My love goes out to all of you. May Coach Strelzin Rest in peace

Paul, you were the first person I met when I moved to El Paso.  That big booming voice came over the back fence to let my family know that you were our neighbor.  We appreciate all that you did for us and even the couple gray hairs you gave me.  In spite of those gray hairs you may have created, it was obvious to me that your friendship and caring for others made you successful in your endeavors.

Darlene and girls, our thoughts and prayers go to you as you work through these difficult times.  I'm sure that there is a ballgame in the sky and Paul is giving the play by play.  And I bet he has already hacked off the visiting team.

Ron and Scottie McLeod

Paul,
  May you rest in peace and the peace of the Lord be with your family.  I am always thankful to have worked for you and have known you all these years.
Mark Tombosky

I have such a great memory of Paul Strelzin.  My husband Deane passed away on May 1st of 1996. He had always said that he wanted Mariachis at his funeral. Well, he passed away so suddenly that I did not even think of the Mariachis. On the day of the Rosary here comes the amazing Paul Strelzin with the Bowie Mariachis. Not only did they show up for the Rosary but they were also at the funeral. I will always love him for what he did for us during those difficult times. RIP! and thank you for everything you did for so many!

Strelzin Family, may the memories of your Father bring you comfort and peace during this time. He certainly did his share of bringing us all his wit and insight. God Bless you.

God bless all of you and give you strength and solace at this sad time. Paul remains a legend in El Paso. Sincerely, Barton and LaNelle Boling

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Strelzin family.  What a guy...one of a kind.  Paul always had kind words for my family and especially my Dad.  They talked the same language as both were from Brooklynn and never lost that great accent!  Paul emceed the very first ceremony for the El Paso Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame.  It was an honor for me and my family to have him at the microphone that night...where he always was "at home".  I was fortunate to see Paul every 5 to 10 years or so when returning to El Paso and he always remembered what I was doing and showed interest in my broadcasting career.  I'm sure he'll be having some great conversations with my Dad, Don Haskins and Ross Moore among other great El Paso sports figures!

To the Strelzin family:
Your father, husband, grandfather, was a practical visionary.  17 years after I graduated from Bowie, I carry with me the goodness he shared with me and his genuine encouragement and support.  I have not forgotten. His spirit will be kept alive as we pass the torch of his kindness to others, especially to those who need someone to speak-up on their behalf. 
Thank you.
Thelma Carrillo

Great principal ....great human being. You will be missed. Roberts Elementary / Lincoln Jr. High

OBITUARY

Paul J. Strelzin "The Strelz"

17 June, 1937 – 27 April, 2013

Martin Funeral Home

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