On Monday morning, May 25, 2020, Earl passed away at his home in Butte, Montana, from a heart attack. Earl was 71 years old and was surrounded by immediate family.
Earl was born in Havre, Montana, to Amelia Buchholz and Vern Strubeck. He was their fourth child. Earl enjoyed playing sports as a child and enjoyed spending time with his dogs. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed overseas. Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, he attended the University of Montana where he met his wife Irene Govednik.
He retired from the state of Montana Probation and Parole Department and spent his retirement traveling and rooting for the Griz.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, an older sister, a younger sister, and his wife. Earl is survived by his older siblings, his children, his nieces, and nephews.
Cremation services have taken place. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison in Helena, MT. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the University of Montana or the University of Montana Athletics Program.
The family would like to thank everyone that was involved with his care: St. Pat’s Hospital, St. James Hospital, the VA, Rotech, and his dialysis team.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Earl. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Earl and his family.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 9, 2020
Montana State Veterans Cemetery in the Committal Shelter
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 9, 2020
Montana State Veterans Cemetery in the Committal Shelter
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Tom Lazzari says
I met Earl a couple of years ago. We became workout buddies. I have been told that the greatest compliment that you can give a Mariine is to say he is hard. Earl was hard, he faced more adversity than most of us ever will. Heart issues, kidney failure, multiple skin cancers were just the tip of the iceberg. He faced dialysis every week all the time hauling an awkward oxygen tank. He did all of this with courage and aplomb. The many conversations that we shared revealed that he was aware of the fact that his mortality was in question, no next day guaranteed. He spoke often about missing his wife who had passed a few years prior and he spoke about his family. He had a lot of setbacks but always came back strong. He chewed my rear end when I was half-assing my workouts (must have been the Marine in him) and inspired me to keep going. I believe that by following his example I have become better and can only hope to someday be as hard, within my own limitations, as Earl was. My sincere condolences to Earl’s family and particularly to Eric who took such good care of his father in his final days. Semper Fi old kid, I hope to see you again someday in that big gym in the sky.
Leigh Chesnut says
Eric, I am so sorry about your dad. What a nice obituary, and you definitely resemble him. Please take care and know that your work team is with you in spirit and here for you at anytime. Best, Leigh
Pat and George Spear says
Eric and Michelle,
I am sorry for your loss, and can only pray that your dad is at peace, and happy to be with Irene again. I’m sad that travel is prohibited at this time, and that we will not be with you in this time. Our love and prayers to both of you! Hopefully there will be a time in the future that we can see you in person…please take care of yourselves.
Pat and George
Terry E. Davis says
Earl was a valued member of Butte Masonic Lodge No. 22. He will be missed by all his Brothers in the fraternity. Our prayers are with all in the family and if there is anything we can do, please let us know.
God Bless and keep you all well
Worshipful Brother Terry Davis and Butte Lodge No. 22
Mike Lawson says
Hi Eric,
Your Dad was a good Marine and well loved at the Marine Corps League. He battled his illness with great courage and was always positive about things. He missed your mom and is now with her.
I’m having a heart procedure done in Missoula on Monday, so it’s doubtful I’ll make the funeral at Ft Harrison . I regret not being able to come but my thoughts and prayers will go your way that day.
To your Dad I say “Semper Fi Brother “ Rest In Peace
Connie Taverna says
We enjoyed having Earl in the Y Cardiac Rehab program. We had some nice visits with Earl. He will be missed. So sorry for your loss.
Jo Emily Smeltzer says
Eric and Michelle
Never forget that you father was a good man who worked hard to provide for his family. When I was the Nursing Director for the City-County Health Dept back in the 80’s he and I had our offices in the new Court House. We would often stop in each to see each other and chat about going-ons and our families. He loved you and your sister and always spoke highly about each of you. When you lay your head upon your pillow at night, feel the relaxed comfort that there is a new path for you-the past is past, the present is now and the future will take care of itself.
I pray his soul rests in peace and that beautiful Irene and he will be together once again.
Ray & Marcella Buchholz says
So sorry for your loss. Skeeter’s, Uncle Ray had alot of fun memories when they came out to farm. It is so sad families are so busy now days. God keep and sustain you in this journey. Blessings. Uncle Ray Buchholz.
Dan Blando says
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the great opportunity to meet Earl while working at the YMCA. During our first visit he told me he worked in the Missoula Probation and Parole Office. It was such a coincidence since I also work in the field. Earl shared his experiences with me and it was my great pleasure to have know such a great man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ernie and Cathy Frey says
Dear Eric and Michelle. We are so sorry of Skeet’s passing. Now Skeet is at peace and is with his love Irene. We know his service is June 9 in Helena and unfortunately we cannot attend. I (Cathy) have a dental appointment in the afternoon and if I try to reschedule, I may not get in for a very long time as they are behind. We will keep you all in our prayers. Take care kids.