Carol “Gene” Van Stratten age 89 passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026 at Northcare
Hospice House, surrounded by loved ones. Services will be held at Birmingham Town
Hall, 510 Spratley Street, Birmingham, Missouri on Friday, July 31, 2026, with visitation
at 4:00 p.m. and memorial service at 5:00 p.m.
Gene was born January 7, 1937 in Lawrence, KS. He graduated from Northeast High
School in 1955. He started his 42 years with the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1956.
He served with the Army from 1960-1962.
Gene was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great
grandfather. He loved spending time with his family. There was a time when all four
grandsons were playing Little League baseball, and he never missed one of their games.
In his younger years Gene was an avid bowler and golfer. He loved spending time on the
lanes and golf course. The last several years he liked to spend time at the casinos on the
slot machines.
He was preceded in death by his mother Stella, father Albert, and siblings, Alta, Ernest,
Leland, and Donnie.
Gene is survived by his wife of 67 years Karen Van Stratten, his son Kevin (Robin) Van
Stratten, his daughter Kimberly (Jeffrey) Evans, his four grandsons Jacob (Brittney) Van
Stratten, Nicholas Van Stratten, Kyle (Stephanie) Evans, and Austin Evans. Six great
grandchildren Kylee, Makenna, Evalynn, Archer, Elliott, Isabella, and one great-great
grandson Tucker.
Gene’s legacy of service and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He
will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600