Former Almtuna Player Jesper Stråle Passes Away at 35

Former Almtuna player Jesper Stråle has passed away at the age of 35. His widow, Rebecka, was by his side until the end.

"My eldest son asks every day why his dad had to die," she says.

In February 2023, the family realized something was wrong. Jesper Stråle suffered from swallowing difficulties and sought medical help but was sent home. He endured the summer before another hospital visit in the fall.

It was then determined that the hockey player was suffering from gastric cancer, a form of stomach cancer.

Eight months of curative treatment began and concluded in May. The family had planned a trip abroad to celebrate the end of his treatment.

During the trip, Jesper Stråle experienced back pain and sought medical attention again. In July 2024, they received the news that the cancer was incurable.

"I've been home with Jesper since then because both he and I needed it. I've tried to create a routine for our children, who are still so young. It's only now that our 3.5-year-old is becoming more aware of everything. It was very special to have so much time together, and I'm grateful for that time, even though it's hard to see the beauty in it now that his passing is so recent," says his wife, Rebecka Stråle.

"Many Have Been Touched"

Jesper Stråle began his career in Almtuna's youth program. He played 36 games for the senior team before moving to the USA for college hockey.

The left-winger returned to Sweden after six years and met his future wife through mutual friends, who had lived in Norway for the same duration.

Many have reached out to Rebecka Stråle to share their memories of her husband.

"Everyone writes similar things that confirm what I also thought of him. As a wife, you're quite biased, but I've had it confirmed now. He was truly the kindest person in the world. Very secure, he saw everyone in a room and made everyone feel welcome. He was very special. You can see that now with the engagement that has come with his passing. Many have been touched."

How was he as a husband and father?

"The best. We had it as good as you can have it. I think he was the most caring, fantastic, funny, generous person ever."

Scheduled for a Minor Procedure

In May, Jesper Stråle was scheduled for a minor procedure.

The once robust hockey player, weighing 100 kilos, was now significantly smaller.

The procedure went wrong, and combined with the advanced stage of his illness, it became clear that Rebecka Stråle's husband would not return home.

"Then the children came up to say goodbye to him. The children were told that dad wouldn't come home again but would become a star in the sky. Jesper fought for eleven days in hospice. My eldest son talks a lot about it. He thought it was scary and didn't recognize his dad. He asks every day why dad had to die. He knew dad was sick, so he's aware. When I cry, he hugs me and asks if I'm sad about dad and that it's okay," says the widow.

Did you say everything you wanted to each other?

"Yes. Those eleven days we had there were the most beautiful, even though it was brutal and horrible. The confirmation he gave me and the words of love I received during that time... It was very beautiful and lovely. I was with him when he stopped breathing. He woke me by grabbing my hands, I called in the nurses, but when I realized he was moving on, I asked them to leave the room. It was a beautiful moment between us."

"Still Haven't Understood It"

Jesper Stråle was 35 years old. On Tuesday, he will be laid to rest. The support from the hockey community is expected to be shown once again.

And Rebecka Stråle will be reminded once more of how appreciated and loved her husband was.

"It's very tough, even though we've had time to prepare for his passing. We knew it, but you always live with hope. I still haven't understood it. The hardest part is realizing that he will never come back."