Eugene “Gene” John Streller
1938-2023
Eugene “Gene” Streller, beloved husband, father, and papa, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2023, with family by his side. He was 85.
Gene was born on March 3, 1938, in Perry, OK. He was the first of four children of John and Dorothy Streller. He spent his childhood working on his family farm and exploring the great outdoors.
After graduating from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Gene met Mary Bullis. They married in 1965 and went on to have three children, Scott, Kristi, and Gina. Gene made a career as a Civilian Mechanical Engineer at Tinker Air Force Base for nearly 40 years.
During his generous and industrious life, Gene made family his life. From playing bridge with Mary, building tree houses, skipping rocks in the creek, and having long talks about operas and musicals or quantum theory and DNA, to building a tennis court for his family, discussing how to properly set every setting on every type of camera, and being an always-on-call driver for anyone who needed to get to practice, school, or Braum’s, he was eager to be involved. He often would write letters to his children when they were in college. It was never easy to read his handwriting, but it was always a joy to receive the usually 2-3 sentence note, often accompanied by a comic he had cut out of the newspaper.
Gene loved his grandkids, and they each have a unique bond with him. Whatever they were into, he was there, ready to support them in every way he could. He explored STEM topics with Read, from chemistry to physics to rocket science, and went hunting, fishing, and got into all kinds of outdoor activities with David. He had a unique admiration for horses and photography with Mary Kate, and he and Sarah used their brilliant minds and imaginations to explore the cosmos. He loved talking to Luke about tennis and basketball, and he was so proud of the strong person Alex was becoming. His face lit up so brightly when Adam gave him hugs.
Gene’s faith also was a top priority. He made sure his family traveled to see as much of the world as possible, never missing Mass even while on vacation. But more pertinent than that, he was a consummate example of doing selfless acts for others, no matter the inconvenience or difficulty it might cause him.
Gene is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary; and his children: son, Scott and daughter-in-law, Shannon Streller (Edmond); daughter, Kristi Smith (The Woodlands, TX); and daughter, Gina and son-in-law Neil Hasty (Tulsa). He also leaves behind 7 adoring grandchildren: Read, David, Mary Kate, and Sarah Streller, and Junior Nsengiyumva; Luke and Alexandra Smith; and Adam Hasty. He is also survived by his brothers, Johnny (Mary Lee) Streller and Gerald (Judy) Streller, and sister, Mariann Moery.
There will be a Rosary and Prayer Vigil held on Friday, March 31 from 6–8 p.m., at Matthews Funeral Home (601 S. Kelly, Edmond, OK). Funeral Mass will be Saturday, April 1 at 11 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (900 S. Littler Ave., Edmond, OK).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City.
Live streaming: https://youtube.com/live/aeYiqLRvUSc?feature=share
Gene, was a good friend and Class mate, also we had a duplex we shared in our young bachelor days near Spring Lake Park. He helped me on some Perry High Class of 56 projects including The Fifth Reunion. Will miss talking to him every once in a while, my Prayers will be with Mary and family for the Void in their life.
Dean Highfill
We’ve all heard many wild tales of you and Dad’s times together. Surely some of the best memories he had from growing up. Thank you for staying in touch with him. I know that meant a lot.
I was saddened to hear about the loss of Gene. As a Communion minister from St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, I was honored to administer the Sacrament of our Lord and Savior to him. I was honored to pray with Gene at Touchmark, and enjoyed witnessing his curiosities of life. My Faith tells me that indeed Gene will be raised both body and soul on the last day as promised by our Savior.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share these moments with my dad. Getting to take Communion was very important to him, and no doubt being able to partake in that made those days better for him.
We both worked at Tinker Air Force Base. He was very nice to talk to and seemed to know everything about everything! He gave me a tape recording of the “Phantom of the Opera” sound track and I held good thoughts for him each time I listened to it.
This made me smile. Thank you for sharing this, Phyllis.
(from Gene’s daughter, Gina)
Gene has always been such a wonderful husband,dad, grandfather and friend to all who knew him. one wonderful memory I have of GENE was one beautiful spring day, in my neighborhood every house was having a garage sale and Gene pulled up in front of my house in his little sport convertable car, he came up to the door and told me he was going to go to all the sales. We sat at he table had some coffee and I walked to his car to see what all he had bought. I ask Gene do you think Mary is going to love all your tresures? He got a big smile on his face and said” i’m not for sure! I feel its such an honor to be part of Gene streller’s family, he was a example of kindness for us all. one sign I really love for all our family who are together is.
THOSE WHO LOVE THE LORD NEVER SEE EACH OTHER FOR THE LAST TIME.
DEAN-GRAY FAMILY
We love you, Jackie!
We are so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing! We enjoyed living by Gene and Mary when they first moved to Edmond after retiring. Missed them so much when they moved ! God bless Mary and all the family. May God give each one of you comfort and peace. Love and prayers to you all.
Mary, wife of Gene, Johnny, Mary Lee, Gerald and Mariann,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of my dear friend. In recounting my memories the Mildfelt and Streller family relationship goes back 100 years and we kids go back to ridding John’s calves in the very back south of the house. We were severely chastised for that activity. On through first cars and college many great memories are shared with Gene and you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this great sadness. Please know I am grieving with you. It takes a lot of prayer and support to get through these events in our lives. May the Lord shine his light of glory upon you. Rest in Peace old friend.
W. J. “Bill” Mildfelt
I spent just a couple years working with Gene at Tinker. I had just got out of the Army and had a family. I was just a GS-05 and Gene knew I needed all the income I could scrape up, so he hired me to work on some rental houses he had when the tenants turned over…some really bad messes, but I was so thankful for the work. He was so kind and courteous to me. I know he was the best husband, father and grandfather. I have always thought of him a lot. I pray that God will fill your hearts with His love and comfort. I grieve with you. It was a blessing knowing Gene Streller as a friend.