Urban Fred' Stratman passed away at his home in Rapid City on 8 November 2012. Fred was born on April 24, 1921 in Burlington, Iowa to Fred B. and Elma (Miller) Stratman. Fred joined the Army and was a proud Veteran of World War II serving in India from 1944 to 1946. Fred worked for NASA as an Aerospace Mechanical Engineer and retired in 1985. During this time he was responsible for inventing the Personal Flotation Gear Valve' which is still in use by the Navy today having saved many lives. Fred had many patents which were an integral part of the NASA and military programs. Fred is survived by his wife Rosa A. Stratman and seven children: Thomas N. Stratman, Joan M. Fennelly, Daniel B. Stratman, Robert A. Stratman, James W. Stratman, Anne E. Dunbar, and Mary M. Stratman. Fred is also survived by two brothers, John (Betty) Stratman and Fr. Tom Stratman. Fred was preceded in death by his first wife, Philonise, son, Kenneth and his brother Fr. William Stratman. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. The Funeral will be at Big Bend Presbyterian Church, 10944 West Highway 44 at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, 14 November 2012. Pastor Bob Savot will be officiating. Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery at 3:00 PM with military honors rendered by Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and the South Dakota ARNG.