Sigrid Elma Louise Holstein Straub, 90, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on September 13, 2025, (the 55th anniversary of her father’s passing) at Vintage Park Assisted Living in Wamego, Kansas. Sigrid was born on April 10, 1935, in East Prussia, later becoming Germany, to parents Karl and Hertha (Neumann) Holstein. She lost a baby sister, Urte Regina and her mother during WWII. She and her brother, Ulrich Karl, spent time in an orphanage in Poland until they were able to reunite with their father and extended family.
Sigrid began correspondence with Norbert Straub with Christine Setzer acting as their interpreter. She made the decision to emigrate to the U.S. in 1958, sponsored by her future brother-in-law, Walter Straub. She married Norbert on February 3, 1959, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Flush, Kansas. She learned English with help from Norbert’s family and Father Biehler, priest of St. Joseph Church. From their marriage, two children were born, Silke and Bernard. Norbert preceded her in death in 1996. Throughout her life in the United States, she stayed in touch with her extended family in Germany.
Sigrid was a gentle soul. She had a passion for knitting and crocheting. She found joy in gardening, both vegetables and flowers. Her home became a gathering place for her new family and friends. She and Norbert later opened their hearts and arms by babysitting all their grandchildren. Sigrid is survived by her children, Silke Arand and Bernard (Brenda) Straub; her beloved grandchildren, Christopher Arand, Scott Arand, Robert (Sherry) Arand, Eric Straub, John Straub, and Nichole (Phil) Dreiling; and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, J.D., Piper, Axle, Margo, Greta, Sybil, Zayne, Savannah, and Austin. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family in the United States and Germany. Sigrid was preceded in death by her parents, brother, sister, spouse, grandson, Russell Arand, and son-in-law, Ron Arand.
Sigrid's family will greet friends during a visitation on September 22, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego, Kansas. A funeral service will be held on September 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Wamego. Burial will follow the funeral service at Wamego City Cemetery in Wamego.
Sigrid’s family suggests memorial contributions to “Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church” and those may be sent in care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, Kansas, 66547. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.