Henry T. Straw

Henry T. “Hank” Straw of Sauk City was born in Madison, WI on April 7th, 1956 to Bruce and Helen Straw. He is a father of two, grandfather of three, and friend to many. It is with broken hearts we share Henry suddenly & unexpectedly passed away on March 31st, 2023 at the age of 66 with his devoted wife, Gayle, by his side.

Henry was a graduate of West High School in 1974, attended UW-Whitewater, and completed his apprenticeship through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), becoming a member of IBEW 159. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Waunakee, Wisconsin, and a Board Chairman for the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 46, in Waunakee, Wisconsin. He was a Designer/Master Electrician at Cuna Mutual where he retired in 2020 after several decades of committed service. Henry had many hobbies: reading, working with stained glass, wine making, camping with “The Guys”, building and launching model rockets with his kids and grandkids, coin collecting, woodworking, hosting get togethers at his home, and cooking his famous Chili, Spaghetti & Logs, and BBQ sauce for his family and friends. Henry was also an avid photographer who enjoyed travelling. As a long-time baseball fan he enjoyed watching the Brewers with his sons. Back in the 70’s he was the manager of the Championship team: Madison Warriors.

Henry is survived by his wife, Gayle, of nearly 45 years, two sons Brad (Melissa) and Chris (Brittany), three grandchildren (Bryce, Anthony, and Aliviah), brother Bill (Kim), sister Ann (Pat) and several nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Henry is preceded in death his parents, Bruce & Helen, and brothers Jim & Joe.

We would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the medical staff and personnel on Princess Cruise Line for their efforts, comfort, and support during a very difficult time. Additionally, we would like to thank Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for helping us navigate final arrangements while away from home.

The family and friends of Henry Straw will be holding a Celebration of Life on June 24th, 2023. This gathering will take place at Hank and Gayle’s beautiful home on Fish Lake, Henry’s very favorite place to be, from 1:00pm on.

In lieu of flowers, we would like to repopulate Oak, Maple, Birch, and Pine trees around Fish Lake in Henry’s honor. Monetary or tree donations can be sent to Gayle Straw at their family home.

It can be a great comfort to a grieving person or family to hear that others thought highly of their loved one, too. If you knew and admired Henry, be sure to let the family know by writing a few words in the "Memory" section of his obituary on the Kraeer - Fairchild Funeral Home website. www.KraeerFairchild.com