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April Lynn Struemke, age 56, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2026, at her home in Osceola, WI after winning a nearly yearlong battle with AML Leukemia. The cancer may have taken her body but never once took her soul. She choose her to end life with dignity and grace while being supported by her friends, family, and community the whole time.

April was born on April 6th, 1970, in Blaine, MN.  Her parents were Kenneth and Violet (Gladistch) Bierl. She graduated from Hudson High School and quickly found her passion in the healthcare field. On April 24th, 1993, she was united in marriage to her husband Brad in Stillwater, MN.

From becoming a CNA, to an RN and finally getting her BSRN, she accomplished  that while raising and growing her loving family. She was amazing at all of this and then eventually found her passion for rescuing dogs. She had the love and compassion to care for her four-legged family especially as they found their way to her home for fostering through Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue. Also, later in life she found and came to love her “Happy Place” with her dear friends Lisa and Terry in their Alabama home near the Gulf Shores. April would always glow when she was going there and when she came home. Thank you Lisa and Terry for giving her those moments and memories. Her wishes are to have her ashes spread at sea so she can be free and forever enjoying the sunsets the sea offered her when she was there.

April will always be remembered by her husband of 33 years, Brad; mother, Violet Bierl; children, Dan, Cody and Hunter Struemke; grandson, Edwin Struemke along with Edwin’s mother, Bridget Cleven; brother, Todd (Carly) Bierl, as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Bierl; brother, Paul Bierl; grandparents, Edward and Lucy Bierl and Wallace ∧ Harriet Gladitsch; and uncle, William Gladitsch.

A Celebration of April’s Life will be held from 5 PM – 8 PM Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Grandstrand Funeral Home of Osceola, WI.

A special thanks is being sent to all of the wonderful supporters that have helped her and her family through this whole journey. We honestly couldn’t have done it without all the Love, Prayers and financial support. Thank you so very much! April asked me to make sure I said that and I, myself, am so humbled by everyone's generosity, we are truly blessed. The celebration is to be a " Beach theme " in honor of April and her happy place. Please feel free to wear your favorite beach shirt and smile for her.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, April had asked for anyone that would like to; please donate to Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue in Somerset, WI or consider becoming a volunteer to help her beloved four-legged friends. https://www.cocosheartdogrescue.org/donate

Services have been entrusted to Grandstrand Funeral Home of Osceola, WI. Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com

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