Kay Strouse, 61, Plover, a retired Stevens Point Area Public School District teacher, died Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012.
A celebration of life will be held at her home Sunday, Aug. 19, from noon to 3 p.m.
Memorials should be given to the National Kidney Foundation directly or Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741.
Pisarski Community Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Plover assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be offered online at www.pisarskifuneralhome.com.
Ms. Strouse was born in Bureau, County, Ill., a daughter of the late Patricia (Whaling) and Edgar “Ted” Strouse. After attending Western High School in Buda, Ill., she graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. Additionally, she earned a teaching certificate from Illinois State University.
Qualifying to teach speech and debate, she began a teaching career at Hall High School in Spring Valley, Ill. In 1976, she accepted a position at Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) as a speech teacher and debate coach. She guided students to the National Debate Finals in Texas.
Working on the team to bring national recognition to SPASH, she succeeded in qualifying the school for the “Excellence in Education” award. To further her education, she earned a master’s degree in English, as well as credentials in the teaching of reading. She then served the Stevens Point Area School District as an assistant reading coordinator for a number of years.
She became a liaison between the School District and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, assisting in organizing the placement of student teachers. She later facilitated classes for beginning teachers in several school districts.
She served on the Girl Scout Council of Wood County for many years. In addition, she was an active member of the Democratic Party of Portage County.
Survivors include one brother, Paul Strouse, Lanark, Ill.; one sister, Lisa (Tony) Caramia, Webster, N.Y.; and her best friend, Mary Pat Dean.
