Carl Strumfa

Carl Lee Strumfa, 76, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2019, while visiting friends in Kansas.  

Carl was born October 25, 1942, in Concordia, Kan., to Angeline and Melvin Strumfa. As a child his father was in the military and he lived in many places including Kansas and Japan. He attended Washburn University in Kansas earning a Criminal Justice degree in the early 80's. Carl married his second wife, Carol in 1987 and had one daughter, Angelyna, the same year. They later divorced.

Carl had a passion for Karate. He earned a black belt in several different karate systems including Alo Kenpo and Kaju Kembo. Carl taught Karate in Hot Springs County for about 10 years after moving to Wyoming in 1986. He had many close friends and acquaintances and had no problem making a new friend wherever he went. Carl frequented the local coffee shop every morning enjoying the company with a nice conversation. He smiled wherever he went and had no problem to lend a helping hand to those in need. Carl was also an avid music lover and listened to everything from Lynard Skynard and the Eagles to Kid Rock and Jewel.

He worked as a mall Santa Claus from 2004-2018. He loved the kids and made many friends as their real "Santa." 

He is survived by his daughter, Angelyna Strumfa; grandchildren, Paris of Thermopolis, and Maxximus, Xander and Jaxxon of Riverton; step children, Peter Fordham of Cadiz, K., Monique Ortiz of Souix City, Iowa, and Gwen Fordham of Thermopolis; sister, Cindy Bay of Fremont, Neb.; and brother, Warren Strumfa of San Diego, Calif. 

Carl was preceded in death by his mother, Angeline; father, Melvin; and stepmother, Ruth.

A memorial service will be held at the VFW on Friday, October 25 at 2 p.m.