Lenora Mae "Norie" Strakis

Lenora Mae (Ortel) Strakis went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 5, 2021 after leading a life full of service to her Lord, family, and friends. The back door was always open for neighbors and relatives to come in and visit over a cup of coffee.
Lenora, better known as Norie, was born on May 31, 1928, to Louis Fredrich and Mary Christine Schwier Ortel in New Palestine, Indiana. Her parents operated a one-hundred-acre farm until 1942. She had fond memories of her dad plowing fields with his two work mules, Tom and Jerry. Norie grew up on the farm with her sisters Olga and Esther but was found more often hanging around her brother Walt as he would do the chores on the farm.
Norie attended Zion Lutheran School, a one room schoolhouse, with many dear friends and relatives that she continued to have contact with until her death. She graduated from New Palestine High School in 1946. After graduating from Beauty School, she worked with her sister Olga for 4 years in the Cumberland Beauty Shop. She continued to do perms and cut hair for friends and family for many years thereafter often going to their homes. Volunteering for Meals on Wheels kept her busy for many years. She is known as one of the very first women to conduct a garage sale in the area. Walking the neighborhood and visiting garage sales with friends was a favorite activity.
Norie married Otto Strakis on September 8, 1951. They were blessed with four sons: Randy, David, Steve, and Gary. She was a caring mother and wife – always putting others first – especially her children and their families. Norie will always be known for her generosity and the love she had for her pets.
Norie was the last living member of her childhood family. Her parents, Louis and Mary, and siblings, Olga Tatum, Esther Radun, and Walter Ortel preceded her in death. Her husband, Otto Strakis, died on January 3, 2000. Her living descendents are her children Randy-wife Kathy of West Lafayette, David, Steve-wife LaDonna, Gary- wife Tresa all of Indianapolis. She has nine grandchildren, Wendy Strakis Petersen-husband Ben: Jonathan Strakis-wife April, Joshua Strakis-fiancee Justine, Katie Strakis, Jacob Strakis, Joseph Strakis-wife Marissa, Jesse Strakis, Andy Strakis – wife Kayleigh, Becca Strakis Hernandez-husband Cristian. She has eight great- grandchildren, Clayton, Ava, Maddox, Harper, Diana, Lydia, Conner, and Henry. Her family loved her dearly and she will be truly missed.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 12, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Flanner Buchanan Decatur Township 5463 Kentucky Ave. Indianapolis, IN. Norie’s funeral service will be held at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 9201 E. County Road 100 N, Avon, Indiana, 46123 on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 11 :00 AM with visitation there from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM. Pastor Matt Douglas will be officiating the funeral. Family and friends are reminded to obey Covid-19 regulations. Masks are required. Memorial contributions can be made to Our Shepherd Lutheran Church Mission and Music Ministry. Entombment will be at Concordia Cemetery, Indianapolis, IN. To sign the online guest book and leave a favorite story or memory with Norie’s family you are encouraged to go to www.flannerbuchanan.com