Arlen Strehlow’s name probably doesn’t ring a bell for most people. It probably wouldn’t even jolt memories for many of his fellow Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders.
However, Harley owners knew of him because of his look — wearing a helmet fitted with a pair of outlandishly long Texas longhorns. He was known as “The Guy with the Horns.”
Strehlow died Saturday at age 57 of a heart attack, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal.
Strehlow was a member of the Milwaukee H.O.G. chapter, and author Michael Wallis met him on Route 66 road trips.
“He’s a big man – he’s big physically, and he’s big spiritually,” Wallis said. “You just couldn’t help but like him. Arlen was a champion among all the people, compatible with the blue bloods and the rednecks.
“He often was asked to ride up toward the front of the pack,” he said. “You knew you were on the right track, because you had Arlen up there.”
Strehlow is mentioned along with Jamie “King of the World” Constantine one of the chapters in the book “Hogs on 66,” written by Wallis and Marian Clark. The picture of Strehlow above is from the book.
Strehlow’s beloved Harley, festooned with flags, will be parked next to his casket when he’s buried.
“And his horns will be on the casket, instead of a bunch of floofy flowers,” his girlfriend, Jayne Rohleder, told the newspaper.
Y’know, when I graduate from this plane, I would like nothing more than for my friends to think of me and smile, remembering some hilarious moment we shared.
Sounds like Strehlow left a proper legacy for his loved ones: Lots of laughter and lots of great memories. If I can do the same, I won’t ask for more.
another legacy….live like today may be your last
I will look back and smile for sure…our time here is short
Arlen is my hero. My wife is behind me on the couch as I read this article to her and looking at ‘the horns’ talking about how ridiculous they look.
I agree with that last two posters about having fun, living life and leaving something meaningful behind with those who are left behind for a time.
Rock on Arlen and we’ll catch up to you one of these days before too long.
Guy
Like Guy said “My Father (your brother) and you were both my Hero’s. Arlen, when you and my father would leave for weeks on your Harley’s that was life, your passion, most important! Finally finding someone that you were happy with – doesn’t seem fair to get taken so young. We miss you man, your not forgotten!
Arlen is my uncle and he truely was one of the most amazing, kind hearted, energetic men I will ever know. He was on a few TV shows because of those horns and let me tell you “They are not light”.
he wasa a great uncle..i rode with him on many rides..i will never forget you uncle arlen…