Wallace "Wally" Earl Stremming

Wallace “Wally” Earl Stremming, a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on December 22, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on August 14, 1938, in Evansville, Indiana, to the late Earl and Carol (Eberly) Stremming, Wally was known for his inspirational spirit and his selfless, thoughtful, and kind-hearted nature. He was preceded in death by his brother, Neal Stremming.

After graduating from Reitz High School, Wally joined the U.S. Army. Following his military service, he earned a degree from Lockyear’s Business College, laying the foundation for a diverse and accomplished career. He began working at the family-owned Stremming Lumber Company and then spent a couple of years managing Meadow Lanes Bowling Alley before serving as Branch Manager at Georgia-Pacific and later as Plant Manager at Crescent Plastics.

Wally’s entrepreneurial drive led him to own several businesses over the years, including Wally’s Thrifty Market, Pig ‘n’ Poke BBQ, and Wally’s Pizza. His professional life was remarkably varied: he owned several rental properties, served as Director of Maintenance at Holiday Inn Express, delivered nuclear medicine for Radio Pharmacy, worked as a courier for First Federal Savings Bank, and served as a mail carrier in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

On July 14, 1962, Wally married Mary Gayle Berry, beginning a long, loving and cherished marriage. He was deeply devoted to his family, always putting them first and expressing his love through generosity and service.

Wally was an avid sports fan and an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Darmstadt, Indiana. He played in the church basketball league and coached 5th through 8th grade basketball, sharing his enthusiasm for the game with young athletes. He also coached little league baseball for Scott Township, where he prioritized fair play to ensure every child had a chance to participate. He truly loved coaching and took great pride in nurturing the growth of every young player. Wally was also an avid golfer and a member of the Southern Hollow Dulcimer & Folk Group where he played the autoharp. He was also a member of the Evansville Bicycle Club where he enjoyed cycling with his wife, friends and fellow riders. In addition, he loved contributing to church events—especially by making burgoo and caramel corn to help raise money for Trinity Lutheran Church.

Affectionately known as “The Baker”, Wally was famous for his Springerle cookies, baking thousands each year and sharing them far and wide with family and friends and donating many batches for fundraisers. He also loved making homemade ice cream; known as the family’s “ice cream maker,” it wasn’t just a dessert; it was a hand-cranked labor of love that anchored every family celebration. Even when miles separated his family members, he kept the tradition alive, turning the White Mountain freezer down in his barn to honor birthdays from afar. That steady rhythm was his way of holding his family close, a role he embraced with the same joy, love and generosity he brought to all birthdays. Wally loved traveling around the country to attend Western Kentucky basketball and football games with his son, Brian, and his wife, Gayle.

A dedicated community member, Wally served as Town Marshal of Darmstadt, Indiana for five years. He was also one of the founders of Darmstadt Days, helping shape a beloved community tradition. His passion for local heritage extended to owning a steam engine and being deeply involved with the Vanderburgh County 4-H Fair. Most recently, he concluded many years of service as a trustee of the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery Board, a role he held with great pride.

Wally is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gayle Stremming; daughters, Tammy (Stremming) Shiyab (Said) and Cheryl Stremming; son, Brian Stremming; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and brothers, Allen Stremming and Brent Stremming (Sandy).

Wally’s legacy is one of generosity, vitality, and integrity. His love language was giving, and he will be remembered for his selfless spirit and unwavering commitment to family, faith, and community.

Family and friends may visit Trinity Lutheran Church in Darmstadt, located at 1401 W. Boonville-New Harmony Road, Evansville, IN 47725, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on December 29, 2025. A Celebration of Life will begin at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor James Glowinski, with burial to follow in the Lutheran Cemetery at 1305 North St. Joseph Avenue, Evansville, IN 47720.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Darmstadt.

Condolences may be shared online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.