Erwin L. Strackbein, age 89, of Lowden, Iowa, died February 11, 2011, at the Clarence Nursing Home. Erwin was born November 3, 1921, on a farm south of Lowden to John and Anna (Stuhr) Strackbein. Erwin married Faith Hoyer on June 14, 1947, at Lowden. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, February 16, 2011, at Zion United Church Of Christ in Lowden, Iowa, with Reverend Mark Buck officiating. Burial will follow at Lowden Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, February 15, at Chapman Funeral Home in Clarence. Erwin attended country school and graduated from Lowden High School in 1939. He spent two years in the Naval Air Corp. On returning home he worked for Albert Mensing and purchased the John Deere Implement business in 1951. Erwin was a life member of Zion Church, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and served as a board member and president of the board. He was a life member of the American Legion where he also served as Commander. He served as a member of the board of the Lowden Family Medical Clinic, a member of the commercial club, and a 22 year volunteer fireman. He was also a longtime member of the Lowden Lions, a member of the Lowden Memorial Park board. He donated the original John Deere building to the town for a library, and he and Faith were youth fellowship sponsors for 13 years. After retiring he and Faith spent their winters in Arizona for 24 years. He is survived by his wife, Faith; sister Louise Hasenbank of Clarence; daughters: Irma Simpson of Bradenton, Florida, and Ellen (Richard) Hull of Cedar Rapids; a son Terry (Judy) Strackbein of Charlottesville, Virginia; two grandchildren Aaron Hull and Amy (Kris) Karr; and five great-grandchildren Arianna, Noah, Leah, Elijah Hull, and Alex Karr. Erwin was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and one brother.