Saige Strasburg

With sparkling eyes of blue and a smile that easily melted the hearts of all, Saige Strasburg won the hearts of anyone she encountered with ways only her own. Truly one of a kind, she filled the days of those who loved her with her spicy little personality, and at times her strong willed nature was a force to be reckoned with! Saige was unquestionably a blessing in a multitude of ways, and although she will be forever missed, comfort can be found knowing she is now dancing with the angels and is safe in the arms of her Jesus.

Saige’s story began at a time not long ago in a land that had seen times of plenty. While Twitter and the iPhone was all the craze, Taylor Swift sang and danced her way up the charts. However, for David Lynn II and Tammy Lynn (Stichmann) Strasburg of Eagle, Wisconsin, one of the only things etched in their hearts and minds was the anticipation of a new little light in their lives. On September 29, 2013, they lovingly welcomed the birth of their little girl, Saige Lynn Marie Strasburg, their bundle of joy. From the beginning, there was a plan for little Saige, and her presence forever changed the hearts of all who came to know and love her.

The youngest of five children in the Strasburg family, Saige was born at Waukesha Memorial Hospital and was raised in their close knit community of Eagle where her family made their home. A most pleasant surprise in the lives of her parents, Saige’s older siblings include her 25 year old brother, David, 21 year old twin sisters, Samantha and Shauna, and her sister, Cheyenne who is 20 years old.

Saige’s "PaPa" works as a process engineer and her mother remained at home with Saige for a time until she resumed working as a health and wellness consultant. Saige often accompanied her mother to managerial events and conferences, and by the time she was barely a toddler, she had traveled to conferences held in Las Vegas, Nevada, and one in Tennessee. There was certainly no shortage of helpers during these times. Saige clearly won the hearts of everyone she met and was absolutely loved by all the consultants.

There was never a dull moment when Saige was around. From her earliest beginnings, Saige had her parents and siblings, as well as others in the family, wrapped around her tiny, little fingers. Coddled, cuddled, rocked, held, and loved on, everyone vied to get their arms around Saige. Her older siblings each formed a special bond with their younger sister whom they loved as if she were their own. Quite a character, Saige brought joy and laughter to all. Although quite stubborn, Saige was a very determined little girl and pretty tough, too. Fearful of nothing, this trait was clearly demonstrated the time she followed her Pa Pa up a 20 foot ladder. As he climbed up to anchor a bird house to the limb of a tree, a tug on his pant leg revealed Saige had climbed right up there with him!

Saige loved animals, big and small. From birdies to puppies to horses, she reveled in all of God’s creation. She loved being outdoors with her mom and Pa Pa, and was never afraid to explore and point out the many bugs she was able to find. Her special blankie was never far from her side, and she loved Elmo, the Sesame Street character. Music was a big part of Saige’s life. She enjoyed music, and even though it was difficult to understand her words, she sang all the time. With their American Indian heritage, Saige’s parents introduced her to Pow Wow dancing. She and her Pa Pa loved dancing together, even in the kitchen, which Saige so loved. Bath time was always a special time for Saige. She enjoyed playing in the tub and never wanted to get out, often demonstrating her strong will. Many times it wasn’t until her skin turned to a prune or she got cold did she finally relinquish to a warm bath towel. Through her determined little nature, at times Saige had to have everything in its place, and she always had a place for everything.

A real spitfire, Saige left her mark on the hearts of many, and on paper, the walls, the dog’s bed, and even her body! Artistic in nature, she did not limit herself to a certain medium as a variety of crayons, pens, and permanent markers were all used in her creations. It seemed there was not a child proof container she could not open. Once when she found a new box of mascara, Saige managed to open it, unscrew the container it held, and then proceeded to beautify her eyes, along with her arms, legs, and just about anything else she came in contact with! Of course, she always created in private, and her works of “art” were quite a surprise to her unassuming audience!

Prayer and speaking to her Jesus was instilled in Saige each night when her mom and Pa Pa prayed with her. For Saige, every moment was an exciting new adventure. Whenever asked if she wanted to do something, she never hesitated in voicing her approval with an excited, “Ya! Ok, Woo Hoo!!! But after a long day of play and when her otherwise lively tank was running on empty, Saige always let those she loved know by coming to them with her blankie in hand to say, “sleep”.

Saige always liked deciding her wardrobe for the day. On Friday, February 19, 2016 she chose to wear a shirt with the inscription, “I decided to be Awesome Today!”, and indeed she was. Saige’s presence alone could brighten up a room and bring a smile to those around her. The world was both her canvas and her dance floor as she lived fully and completely at every possible moment. Her strong-willed personality and pure heart has left an undeniable footprint on the hearts of many which will never be forgotten. In her two years of life, Saige only knew the unconditional love of family and close friends, and although deeply missed, her heart lives on in the memories and love she leaves behind.

Surrounded by family, Saige Lynn Marie Strasburg, age two of Eagle, WI, was called to her heavenly home on Friday, February 19, 2016. She is survived by her parents: Tammy Lynn Strasburg and David Lynn Strasburg II; loving siblings: David (Abby) Adams, Samantha and Shauna Wisniewski, and Cheyenne Strasburg; her niece and nephew: Kerstin and DJ; grandparents: Amber and Steve Belzer, Matt and Melissa Kolbeck, Brian and Diann Stichmann; great-grandparents: Harlow and Lois Stichmann; and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation Friday, February 26, 2016 at Reformation Evangelical Lutheran Church S39W32887 County Road D, Dousman,WI 53118 from 4:00 pm until time of her funeral service at 7:00 pm. If desired, memorials to the wishes of the family are appreciated. To share a favorite memory or photo of Saige and to sign her online guestbook, please visit www.SuminskiFuneralHome.com. Suminski Life Story Funeral Home - Niemann/Suminski 414-744-5156.