vMAKING MEMORIES continued from page 15 activities were thrown into the mix and no one ever missed. When they became in involved in high school activities, the weekend gettogethers wound down. The last weekend event was spent with just the two little boys and they wanted to be soldiers. Grandpa Dick was very pleased to help plan the weekend and talk about his service. Together with grandpa, they dressed for special photos. The boys are playing college football now. There were lots of photo opportunities at every turn and everyone made a scrapbook including grandma. Stratman even laughed as she remembered one granddaughter’s scrapbook was barely finished for display at her high school graduation. Standard weekend activities included church, breakfast in bed, movie night, museums, day trips, a something special activity and special theme. Sometimes they had to sleep three in a bed but it didn’t matter at grandma’s house, and they were dead every night after a day full of fun activities. Grandma didn’t tolerate any fraternizing, no drifting off in small groups and everybody was together all the time. One more thing grandma tried to instill was respect for others so that included picking up after oneself. “Oh gosh, we had so much fun,” Stratman said. “Still, no one got by with something just because they were at grandpa and grandma’s house. You pick up, show respect and pray before meals.” In between all the fun times, Stratman worked like most women do today. But the unique aspect of her job propelled her into a man’s world. “The opportunity to work at WNAX came to me by the grace of God, through the back door,” Stratman said. “I will be at WNAX as a radio announcer for 44 years this year and all the people I started with are gone now.” A friend from Crofton, Gene Williams was the farm director at WNAX years ago, and he pestered Stratman to come work for him as his secretary. Stratman said no too many times to count but he pressed on until he gave her an ultimatum. Either he would come to her house and interview her or she would come to his office. “I said to him, no, ain’t gonna, don’t know anything about radio, ain’t going to happen,” Stratman said shaking her head. Finally, Stratman relented and started working as William’s secretary. He slowly started to talk to her about reading the markets online. He said she really should know how, in the event he wasn’t at work. One day he coaxed her into the broadcasting booth to watch. Shortly before he was to go on air to give the daily market report, he left the booth for some odd reason and never came back. “About the time they were to switch his mike on, he left, left me cold,” Stratman said. “I will never forget that. I went out the back-door bawling. I was not staying here.” Another WNAX announcer, sports director Norm Hillson was coming back to work after lunch and caught Stratman, asking what was wrong. “I told him he put me on the air,” Stratman said. “And he put his arm around my shoulder and said, “You get back in there, interactive woman. You’re going to outlive all of us.” And Stratman did. Stratman just liked working with the people in the business and stayed a lot longer than she ever thought she 1. Go to would. Her goal was a 2. Search for the Yankton Interactive app. couple years at best. 3. Download the app onto your phone “After I started or tablet. reporting farm news, 4. Hold your phone or device over the I found farm law, newspaper where Yankton Interactive you know, the things trigger is indicated. about farming very 5. Click on the app and scan the picture fascinating,” Stratman or ad. said. 6. Bring your paper to life and have During the course an amazing new experience. of her years as a farm broadcaster, one of her This is a FREE app special memories was Yankton 6 Easy Steps To Bring Your Paper To Life! so download today!! vMAKING MEMORIES continued on page 22 Practicing the gentle art of modern dentistry. New Patients and Emergencies Welcome! 1101 Broadway Ste. 105, Morgen Square 605.665.2448 • www.scottfamilysmiles.com Experience Gentle, Personalized Dental Care For Your Entire Family! HERVOICEvNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018v19