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Straeb

In Loving Memory

Straeb, DeAnna C. (nee Constant)

May 26, 1938 - July 10, 2024

Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

Beloved wife of the late Robert G. Straeb; loving mother of R. Matthew (Diana) Straeb, Brian J. (Kristy) Straeb and the late Karen A. (surviving Michael) McGinnis; adoring grandmother of Regan and Ricki Straeb, Morgan (Michael) Maldonado, Patrick and Kiersten McGinnis, Brandon, Lauren and Jordan Straeb and the late Kelsey McGinnis; great-grandmother of Sophia. Our dearest relative and friend to many.

DeAnna was born and raised in St. Louis, MO and graduated from Southwest High School before attending Fontbonne University.  It was during her two years there that she met Bob Straeb who was attending neighboring Washington University.  They fell in love, married in 1958, and decided to begin a life together in the US Army to serve our country and see the world.  As a newly minted officer, Bob was given his first overseas assignment in Germany where their first child, Matt, was born in 1961.  It was also in 1961 that the Cold War began with the establishment of the Soviet Union in Eastern Europe including the building of the Berlin wall.  These events inspired them to dedicate their lives to the military career that defined so much of their lives and the lives of their children.  Following their first tour in Germany, they were stationed in San Bernardino, CA where Karen was born in 1963.  Then it was back to Germany where Brian was born in 1965.  DeAnna became the family storyteller over the years recounting their adventures as a young family moving between assignments with humor and love.  As a wife and mother of three small children in the late 60s, DeAnna became the brave, resilient, and loving protector of her family while Bob was called to serve two tours in Viet Nam.  During his deployments, DeAnna would gather her three children around a cassette recorder every few months to listen to his recorded voice from afar.  She made it seem normal to the kids but it was a difficult time for her like so many spouses of deployed soldiers.  Spending this time in St. Louis would give the family their first opportunity to establish strong bonds with grandparents and family friends solidifying the family’s connection to the area.  What followed was a whirlwind with assignments in Oklahoma City and Philadelphia before moving back to Germany in Munich for one year followed by two years in West Berlin within the wall that went up 15 years before.  We often recalled the stares from Europeans as our Kingswood Estate station wagon would blow by their tiny cars traveling through continental Europe and the UK.  In fact, a few of the kids learned to drive in that station wagon after returning to the states.  There were the endless and hilarious inside jokes as Bob would roll through the family slide show every year at Christmas.  Perhaps the greatest gift those years in Europe gave to the kids was the desire and confidence to travel the world for business and pleasure as adults.  Then, around the kitchen table in Berlin in 1977, Bob and DeAnna decided to return home to St. Louis where Bob would retire from the Army.  In retirement, DeAnna and Bob were inseparable, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and watching their family grow with the addition of 9 grandchildren.  Like in all families, she celebrated triumphs and mourned tragedies along the way.  She was dedicated and loyal to those around her and, in the end, left this world with many close friends and family around her both living and in spirit.  Among them were Pat and Doc Dundon, Jim Briggson, Mary and Bill Schwarz and many others.  Deanna dedicated her life to her family, creating a warm and loving home.  We are comforted to know that she is reunited with her beloved “Bobby”, Karen, and Kelsey in the kingdom of heaven.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Karen Kruep, a close family friend, and to the staff at Surrey Place for their love and care given to DeAnna.

Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Friday, July 19 from 10:30 am. until Funeral Service time at 11:30 am. Interment at Sunset Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions to Tunnel to Towers Foundation appreciated.

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2 thoughts on “Straeb, DeAnna C. (nee Constant)”

  1. Dee thank you for your friendship your guidance your love you shown me thru all these years weather gentle love or stern love thank you for stepping in to be my honorary mom. I will miss you forever you can rest now and be with your hubby Bobby and all your family and friends that have passed before you . Tell them all hello and I miss them
    Love you always
    Karen

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  2. Dee was an “always there for you” Aunt who helped shape my formative years. She put up with my antics as a young child, teen and young adult. She used to tell me it took both she and my Mother to keep me in line. We had so many fun adventures as family do and she always had a hand in countless celebrations. She was a role model on how to get though the stressful and tough times and was a listening ear when you needed one the most. You will always have a big place in my heart and I will hold on to the memories made. I know you are at peace in Heaven with family and friends and will keep watch over us. And yes, I will still send See’s candy every holiday and toast you when I go to Starbucks. Thank you for everything. Much Love to family as we celebrate a life well lived. Until we meet again….Love always, Lynne

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