It is with deep sorrow and love that we announce the passing of Abe H Strate, beloved husband, devoted dad, cherished papa and passionate outdoorsman, who passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025 at the age of 89.
Born on September 6, 1935 in Price, Utah, Abe grew up with a boundless curiosity for the natural world. Whether he was casting a line into Lake Powell, hiking the Book Cliffs or sitting by a campfire under the stars in the Uintas, Abe loved adventure. The wilderness was his passion and playground, that he shared joyfully with family and friends.
His father, Abram, bought a ranch in Joe’s Valley in the 1930s. Abe happily spent as much time as possible there cross-country skiing, hunting and camping.
During his college years, Abe’s friends encouraged him to enter an intramural skiing competition. He took first place in the downhill and the giant slalom events, earning a spot as a downhill ski racer on Utah State University’s ski team. He was an avid skier, most proud of the time he volunteered for the 2002 Winter Olympics. He was delighted to show his kids and grandkids his name on the Olympic Legacy Plaza Wall.
Abe married the love of his life, JoAnn Jorgensen, in 1959, and together they built a life filled with laughter, excitement, and deep, unwavering love. He loved nothing more than gathering his kids and their friends for a day of adventure, whether it was fishing, skiing down snowy slopes, boating across the lake or heading into the woods for a hunting trip. He became a father figure to many of them, offering guidance, humor and love at every opportunity.
Known to his grandkids as Papa, he loved spending time with them, teaching them to ski, playing video games (especially the original Zelda), hiking up to Lunch Break Rock and camping at Pineview. They will always treasure their memories of him as a storyteller, trail guide and mentor.
Throughout his life, he worked as a coal miner, railway worker, served in the US Army, and for the state of Utah Social Services. He retired at age 52 and spent his retirement doing what he loved best, fishing, skiing, video games and spending time with family and friends. Abe loved to ask, “Are we having fun yet?” because he was always having fun.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, JoAnn; his children, Julia Gunderson, David (Renee) Strate and Suzanne (David) Stoddard; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He has a wide circle of extended family and friends who will miss his warm, loving presence and sarcastic sense of humor.
May Abe forever wander the wild places he loved.
Memorial Service, Saturday, July 12, 2025, 2:00 p.m., Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street) in Price. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 1:50 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember Abe by spending time with your loved ones playing outdoors.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Abe online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.