Henry "Hank" C. Streifel, 80, of Grand Forks, ND, formerly of Esmond, ND, died Monday, February 1, 2010, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, surrounded by his loving family.

Henry "Hank" C.  Streifel was born November 23, 1929, at Esmond, ND, to Rochus and Elizabeth (Wolfe) Streifel.  He graduated from the Esmond High School and attended Minot State College.  Hank married Delores E. Heilman on February 5, 1951, in Esmond.   He worked for the Great Northern Railroad from 1949 to 1956 as a signalman and foreman in Minot, Duluth, and the Iron Range in Minnesota.  Hank incorporated the Esmond Implement Co. with his father-in-law, Conrad Heilman in 1956 and operated the business until retiring in 2002.  He also worked at the Esmond Café during the late 1990s and early 2000.  After moving to Grand Forks, he was employed at Daydreams Specialties from 2003 until the time of his death.

Hank was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, Holy Family Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Elks, Lions, Eagles and the Buffalo Lake Sportsman Club.  He had served on the Esmond School Board, Esmond Community Board, Benson County Housing Authority, Esmond Development Corporation, and the Esmond City Council.  Hank enjoyed gardening with Mom/Susie, canning the harvest from his garden, visiting with the morning and afternoon coffee klatch at the shop, watching sports, and making lunch each day for Jola and her crew at Daydreams.  He also enjoyed collecting tractors and tinkering at his farm with his loving companion, Skinner at his side.  His favorite times of the year were spring planting and the fall harvest. Above all, Hank loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Hank is survived by his children:  Susan (Tom) Kraft of Grand Forks; Barbara (Harlan Jensen) Graham of Grand Forks;  Jeff (Terri) Streifel of Bemidji, MN; Cy (Bea) Streifel of Bismarck;  Idona (Jamie Wolfe) Holbrook of Excelsior, MN;  Jola Streifel of Grand Forks and Carole (Michael) Smith of Burke, VA;  grandchildren: Jared, Chad, & Nicole Kraft;  Jesse  & Jill Graham; Paige & Marit Mikkelsen; Jeremiah, Issac, Conrad, Tevon, and Luke Streifel; and Christopher (Judy) Smith;  great-grandchildren: Jack, Mitch, Noah, Raegan, Drew, Landon, and Kamden Kraft, Benny and Sara Smith;  siblings:  Leonard Streifel of Brighton, CO;  Delores Mitzel of Esmond, ND; Irene Streifel of Jamestown, ND, James (Gloria) Streifel of Athens, TX; and Rueben (Sandy) Streifel of Spokane, WA;  special friends:  Dawn Zimney and Joanne Wilson both of Grand Forks;  pets:  best friend and loving companion, Skinner and cats:  Molly and Lady.

Hank was preceded in death by:  his parents; wife "Susie" Delores; son Tim; great-grandson Beau;  brothers Ralph and Elmer;  sisters Agnes and Barbara; father-in-law and mother-in-law Conrad and Johanna (Wack) Heilman;  four brothers-in-law; two sisters-in-law; and a niece.

Mass of Christian Burial:  Friday, February 5, 2010, 10:30 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Esmond, ND

Burial:  St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Esmond

Visitation:  Thursday, at the church from 4 to 7 p.m. and Friday one hour before Mass.

Vigil and Rosary: Thursday, 7 p.m. in the church.



Condolences:

Idona and family, You have my sincerest sympathy at your loss.         Kim Higgs

We are sending our Prayers and Sympathy at this time of Hank's death.      Jim & Louise Pace

Dear Cousins, My heart goes out to all of you at this time. I remember Uncle Hank as a gentle spirit and loving man. His legacy will live on in all of you. I wish we could be there to celebrate his life with you. Please know that you are in out thoughts and prayers.     Love, Cheryl (Streifel) Gollon

Jola, Idona and families, My deepest sympathy at the loss of you father. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go this difficult time. May all the happy memories you have and your faith carry you through.   Lona Spicer

My sympathy to all your family Idona. I know your father will be truly missed by all the lives he touched.  Jane Olson

Cy, Ross and I are thinking about you. We're very sorry for your loss.     Pam Nathan

Dear Family, I do not know you all very well but had visited with your Father & grandfather and admired his devotion to God and his family. God bless you all and comfort you at this time.  Sharon

We only knew you for such a short time. You have left a lasting impression on us forever. Thank you for all the information on helping me restore my Farmall B tractor. Now you are with your beautiful bride. God bless you. We will keep you in our prayers.     Robert & Linda Kunze

Cy & Bea, Wanted to send our sympathies and let you know we are thinking of you.    Shane & Jenny

Cy, We are sorry for your loss. Trust you will find strength and comfort in this time of trials.  Steve

Cy, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.   Tarri and Keith Blotter

Jola and family, So sorry to hear about your Dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers.   Dave Rice

Streifel family, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I remember him as such a nice and caring man. God bless you all. Roxanne Barendt

Jola & family of Hank: I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.   Karla Buzick

Cy, Bea, Luke and families, We are thinking of you as you grieve your loss. Our sympathy and prayers are with you-may all the happy memories fill your hearts with peace and comfort.  San, Rod, and Family

Cy Bea and Luke, I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you and praying for you during this time. He will be missed but lives on in our hearts and memories. ~Jodi Symington

We were sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Hank was a very special person. Joyce, Jim and Alan have fond memories of Hank. We were so glad we got to visit with him at his birthday party. We know you will all miss him. Our sympathy and prayers go out to all of his family.                                          Alan and Pam Schrader and Joyce and Jim Herda

To the whole family of Hank, My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Hank has always had a special spot in my heart and always will. He was a great mentor to my faith and guidance. He is safe with our savior and will be loved and missed by many. Bobbie Mcgarvey (Godchild of Hank and Susie)

I can just hear that shinning star Tim in heaven saying "Well Dad, you finally got here. What took you so long?" Henry was an inspiration to everyone that knew him. He had a thousand Esmond stories and every story got better as the night progressed. He will truly be missed but never forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Streifel family during this most difficut time. Love and prayers. Jerry Keller and Linda Gill

To the family of Hank: Please accept our sympathy at the death of your dad and the death of your mom ( awhile back). We knew your parents, thru your brother and our best friend,"Timmy". At the funeral of Timmy. your dad came and sat with us at your house and said he did that, as he knew we would only say good things about Timmy. He had heard enough bad things. Your parents were special people and the little we knew them we just liked them so much. God bless you all as you learn to live without both, a loving mom and a very caring dad. God will lead the way for all of you.     Sincerely and with the love of Jesus,     Judi (Olson) Williams   (originally from Maddock, ND)