Carl Stricherz

Carl G. Stricherz, 78, of Faulkton, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Faulkton Area Medical Center. 

Memorial services will be 3:30 p.m., Sunday, July 14, 2024, at our Savior Lutheran Church, Faulkton with Pastor LeShea Avery presiding. Visitation will be one-hour prior. Burial at later date will take place in the Faulkton Cemetery. 

Carl Stricherz was born April 29, 1946, in Codington County, SD to Bart and Agnes (Lemler) Stricherz. The family lived near Waverly, SD until Carl was age seven. His father passed away and Agnes moved the family to Hoven, SD where he received his education. He graduated from Hoven High School in 1965 and then attended Metropolitan Community College at Omaha, NE where he received a certificate in autobody repair.  Upon graduation, Carl returned to Hoven and went to work for Eddie Karst in Lowry before being drafted into the United States Army, serving in the Axillary division during the Vietnam War.

Upon his return to South Dakota, Carl moved to Faulkton where he worked for Fillbach Chevrolet doing auto body repair. In early 1973, he met Sally Horst of Selby. They dated for a short period and married on April 28, 1973, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Selby, SD. They made their home in Faulkton. In the late 1970’s, Carl opened and operated Carl’s Auto Body. He ran his business until the late 1990’s when his health declined, and he retired due to disabilities he received from serving in the army. 

During Carl’s years of working, he enjoyed collecting antiques. He loved taking country drives to see what he could find of value. During the summer, he came alive and was known as South Dakota Carl. He would travel to California and spend his time selling his many finds and making friends wherever he would go. “Have Junk Will Travel” was on his business card, and he handed those out everywhere he went.

Carl also loved to enjoy life. While he was younger, many days were spent bareback riding at area rodeos. He also loved hunting pheasants, deer, snap turtles, and rattlesnakes. Many hours were spent fishing and gambling but most of all playing cards each and every chance he had. Even his last days on this earth were spent playing a tough game of pinochle, buck euchre, or poker. 

Those left to cherish Carl’s life include his wife, Sally of Faulkton; his children: Lori Wilcox (Roger Potter), Faulkton, Jeff (Jennie), Kansas City, MO, Melissa (David) Peck, Rapid City, and Jason, Faulkton; grandchildren: Carissa Wilcox, Amber Potter, Isabella, Emily, and Dalton Peck, and Kai and Koen Stricherz; in-laws: Terry Horst, Gillette, WY and Shirley Mitzel, Sioux City; life’s confidant, Turner Hanson, Faulkton, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and one baby sister.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Carl’s arrangements.