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Portrait of Colin Christopher Strebe
Wildly Alive in Heaven

Colin Christopher Strebe

June 22, 2014 – June 14, 2023
Lived 8 years
Waukesha, WI
"I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die." John 11:25-26
Life story

In loving memory of our smiley, curious, creative, silly, tender-hearted and nature-enthusiast son and big brother.

Colin Christopher Strebe, eight days shy of his 9th birthday, entered the gates of heaven hand-in-hand with his precious Papa, Dr. William A. Buchholtz on June 14, 2023. While very different in age, the two shared many interests, and were traveling to enjoy those hobbies together.

Colin was born June 22, 2014 to Cory and Stephanie (Buchholtz) Strebe and resided in Waukesha, WI. Colin heard the gospel from his parents as part of the family's everyday life. They attend Fox River Christian Church in Waukesha. At Fox River, Colin took part in youth ministry classes and events, as well as Upward Sports leagues for basketball and soccer. He also loved helping and serving around church with his family. Colin loved people and his community of family and friends was of high importance to him.

Colin is and always will be part of Team Strebe. He wanted to be just like his dad and treasured the time he spent with Cory creating and fixing in Cory’s woodworking shop. Together they shared the love of problem solving and snowboarding. Colin also introduced Cory to the sport and love of fishing. Colin’s closest confidant was his mom. Stephanie and Colin had tender conversations at night cuddled up in bed after reading and said countless prayers together. Including one morning on the drive to school when Colin told Stephanie he wanted Jesus in his heart. Colin loved his sister, Courtney, immeasurably and was the best big brother. He was always working to keep Courtney safe and happy, like walking her into school and running home with her from the bus stop. The best noise in the Strebe house was when Colin and Courtney would act silly and laugh uncontrollably.

In addition to his immediate family, Colin cared deeply for his extended family. One of his greatest joys was playing with his cousins George, Evie, Emma and Ava. Living just a few minutes away and attending the same school and church, George and Evie are like siblings to Colin. Colin was blessed with many grandparents who love him beyond words. He spent countless hours building in his Nana and Papa Ckonjevic’s workshop; bonded with his Papa Buchholtz over handyman work, fishing and skiing/snowboarding; looked forward to crafting with his Mimi (Sally Buchholtz) and attending her annual Easter hunt; playing dominos with his Nana Buchholtz; and intrigued by his Grandpa John’s guitar collection.

Just before going to Heaven, Colin completed 2nd grade at Summit View Elementary in Waukesha. He loved learning, his teachers and school friends.

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Photos
Photo book

Colin’s life, in a printed book

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Lifetime

The world Colin knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

2014
Born June 22
2014
Colin was born!
2014
The year Colin was born, the Ice Bucket Challenge went viral
2015
Colin was 1 when "Hamilton" opened on Broadway
2017
First day of Preschool Christ the Life
2017
Colin was 3 when "Fortnite" became a video game phenomenon
2019
Colin was 5 when the Disney+ streaming service launched
2020
Colin's First Day of Kindergaten Elementary School Summit View
2022
Colin was 8 when ChatGPT was released to the public
2023
Graduated 2nd Grade Elementary School Summit View
2023
Upward Sports
2023
Passed away June 14, age 8
Tributes and memories

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Allison Buchholtz Maroo 66w

Love You Colin

Missing our Cousin and Nephew immeasurably. We love you, Colin. 💙 Holding you in our hearts until we see you again. 💙

Photo shared by Allison Buchholtz Maroo
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Will buchholtz 66w

Beauty in pain

What a beautiful spot for Colin intermingled with such unimmeasurable pain. Peaceful birds, views as I remember the light that Colin provided all of us. Laughter, silly, goofy and smart. We bring stones to color for Colin and stones from Golden lake. We bring our hearts and the precious Love of Jesus we can all share together here on earth and with Colin above. uncle Biddy aunt Amy Emma Ava Ella Colin

Photo shared by Will buchholtz Photo shared by Will buchholtz
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