Leland J. Strodtman

Leland J. "Buck� Strodtman, 92, of Independence, Mo. died March 26, 2006 in Independence. Mr. Strodtman will lie in state on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Carson-Speaks Chapel. Services will be held on Thursday at 10:00 A.M. at Carson-Speaks Chapel, Independence. Interment will follow with military honors at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Independence. Mr. Strodtman was born in Saline County, Missouri on June 29, 1913 the son of Louis and Elizabeth Giesler Strodtman. He married Mildred Mae Schroder on April 8, 1949 in Independence. They have resided in Independence for the past 57 years. Buck enlisted in the Army Air Corp in the fall of 1941 and served as a Hangar Chief and Line Chief aircraft mechanic. He served with the 8th Army Air Corp during World War II. He served two additional terms with the Air Force as a Master Sergeant in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. He was discharged for the last time in 1967. He received five Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medal. Buck retired from the U.S. Postal Service in Independence in 1972 after 30 years of civil service. He was a life member of Fraas Fain VFW# Post 1000 and served as Past Commander and on their honors team. He was a member of the Military Order of Cooties. He also served as President of the National Association of Letter Carriers. Buck�s many hobbies included antique gas and steam engines, vegetable gardening, and entertaining and spoiling his two grandchildren. He loved people and sharing stories with his many friends and family. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers; Edward, Joseph, John and Fritz and by three sisters; Linda Bossaller, Wilhelmena Kiso and Alice Mae Hinnah and a son, Donald. Buck is survived by his wife, Mildred Strodtman of the home; a son Leland Kent Strodtman and his wife Carol of Independence, a grandson, Loren Kent Strodtman and a granddaughter, Shelby Ann Strodtman, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to VFW Post 1000 Rehab Fund.