Olga Strel

Olga Strel, age 96, of Wildwood, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones August 18, 2025.

Born on February 9, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, to Stanley and Sophie (nee: Holdis) Pelczarski, Olga's Long life was marked by an enduring love for her family, her community and the joyous rhythms of the polka.

She was an avid member of St. Gilbert's Parish and retired as a foreman from Cherry Electrical Products in Waukegan, IL.

Olga enjoyed traveling.  Her love of life and adventures included, but were not limited to, camping, riding roller coasters, boating, water skiing, games of chance (gambling), polka dancing, hosting family functions and decorating for the holidays.  In her later years, her adventures continued with riding roller coasters, traveling, bob sledding, dog sledding, parasailing, zip lining, and of course polka dancing.

An integral part of Olga's life was her love and passion of polka dancing.  She played an essential role in forming the group known as the Polkaholics.  They traveled within the polka circuit winning many trophies and awards.  In 1989 she danced on stage with Jonathon Brandmeir during his world tour at Poplar Creek.

You could often find her relaxing in the pool, in her garden, painting ceramics, or playing pinochle with family and friends.

She is survived by her beloved children: Robert (Lenora) Lucas of Mishawaka, IN; Thomas Lucas of Kenosha, WI; Judi (Dave) Domine of Pleasant Prairie, WI; Gail (John) Nabar of Gages Lake, IL; and Susan Strel. She will be deeply missed by her many grandchildren—Christopher (Bridget) Strel, Tyler (Marketa) Strel, Kameron Nabar, Bryson Nabar, Kristin (Dave) Matthews, Kimberly (Brandon) Christianson, Jacob (Whitney) Strel, Jordyn Domine, Jessica Domine, Joshua (Sanam) Hass, Corrina Domine, Rhiannon Williams, Zoe Williams, Jamie Williams, Frankie Strel, Laura (Robert) Reynolds, Kimmy Lucas, April Lucas, Robin Rae Lucas, Jennifer Jean Lucas, Gary (Kim) Smith, Norman (Jackie) Smith, Michael (Maria) Smith, and Todd Smith—as well as 34 great- and great-great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy. She is also survived by her brother, Michael Pelczarski of Fox Lake, IL, and many nieces and nephews. Olga was preceded in death by the love of her life, Frank Strel and Casey Lucas; her daughter, Debra Maria Strel; and her siblings, Mary Chmielewski, Wanda Papke, Stephanie Studzinski, Dorothy Smoronk, and Stella Ward.

Olga was a kind caring and giving person who always put the needs of her family before her own.  She was a strong woman who faced every challenge in life with courage, grace, and dignity.  She was a source of inspiration to us all and will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

May our Guardian Angel watch over us "until we meet again."

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Strang Funeral Chapel , 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. A funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m., with interment at Avon Centre Cemetery in Grayslake.  For more information, please call (847) 223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org