Brooke Lee Strattan

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Brooke Lee Strattan, who left this world on October 3, 2024, at the age of 24. Brooke’s time with us, though tragically brief, was filled with love, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to those around her. She touched the hearts of everyone who knew her with her generous spirit, her deep love of nature, and her dedication to helping others.

Brooke enjoyed special times traveling and camping with her grandparents each summer. A lover of the outdoors, she found joy and peace in nature. She also loved collecting rocks, a reflection of her curiosity and appreciation for beauty in even the smallest things. Music was another important part of Brooke’s life—she was a talented pianist, earning top honors in state competitions, and was equally skilled in playing the oboe and cymbals as part of her high school marching band.

While Brooke participated in volleyball during middle school and later played tennis and softball in high school, her involvement in sports was more about enjoying time with friends and staying active. Her true passion lay in helping others, especially her friends. She aspired to become a psychologist, with the goal of offering care and support to those in need. Her compassionate nature was evident in her work—first at St. Vinny’s and later as a devoted phlebotomist with the Red Cross, where she made a lasting impact during her year and a half of service.

Brooke is survived by her loving parents, Kevin and Sharon Strattan of McFarland, WI, and her cherished brother, Brandon, a senior at UW-Whitewater. Her grandmother, Barbara Voelker, resides in McFarland, WI, while her grandparents, Ann and Jim Stratton, live in Stoughton, WI. She is also remembered fondly by her aunts and uncles, Heidi and Jeff Fischer of Brooklyn, WI, and Judi and Chris Dee of Oak Creek, WI; her cousins, Abi, Nick, and Tyler Fischer, and Alek, Ryan, and Liam Dee. Brooke leaves behind her beloved cat, Moe, who was a constant source of comfort and companionship. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Keith Voelker, and her great-grandmother, Irene Hendrickson (previously Stratton, née Berg).

A funeral service in Brooke’s honor will be held on October 12 at McFarland Lutheran Church, 5529 Marsh Rd, McFarland, WI 53558. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a service at 1 p.m. A private burial for family will follow. The service will be streamed live on Facebook via the McFarland Lutheran Church’s Facebook page for those unable to attend in person. Arrangements are being handled by Cress Funeral Homes, located at 3610 Speedway Rd, Madison, WI 53705. In tribute to Brooke’s love for the color purple, all guests are encouraged to wear something purple, symbolizing her bright, loving spirit.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Brooke’s memory to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) or DAIS (Domestic Abuse Intervention Services), organizations that reflect her compassionate nature and lifelong desire to help others.