He was the son of Goswin von Straelen, born in Cologne[1] and Anna Draeck, Lady of Merksem.

His wife's sister, Mathilde, was married to Melchior I Schetz, lord of Rumpst and treasurer of Antwerp.

Van Stralen never left Antwerpen, he was convinced that his contact with Oranje was official on request of the City.

Lord van Stralen was arrested in 1567 during a "fake" dinner with Don Ferdinand, Alba's son.

After being tortured he was beheaded on 24 September 1568 in Vilvoorde, together with John of Casembroodt, Lord of Backerzele, and Alfons de La Loi, secretary to the Count of Horne.