Robert L. Strehl

Robert L. Strehl, 93, of East Jordan passed away at home on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 surrounded by family.

He and his twin sister (Betty) were born on June 30th, 1924 in Charlevoix to Charles and Edna Strehl of East Jordan. A 1942 graduate of East Jordan High School and lifelong resident, “Bob” married his high school sweetheart, Jean Simmons, on June 2nd, 1951.

Bob enlisted in the US Marine Corps in March 1943, serving during World War II as a Combat Air Crewman in the Pacific Theater and later in China. In January 1976, Master Gunnery  Sergeant Strehl retired from the US Marine Corps Reserve after nearly 33 years of service to our country. “Top” Strehl was a life member of the Marine Corps Aviation Association, the  Marine Corps League, and an advocate for veterans.

Bob’s life passion for aviation continued beyond his military service. A graduate of Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, he was an avid aviator, commercial pilot, and flight
instructor; also serving the City of East Jordan Airport as Manager for 45 years. Bob owned and operated Strehl’s Garage, a family-owned business for 70 years, mentoring numerous aspiring mechanics during his lifetime. In 1975, he was named East Jordan Rotary Club’s “Father of the Year”. In retirement, Bob & Jean wintered in Tucson, AZ, filling his summers fishing, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Jean of 67 years; their children Mary Louise (Stephen) Weldon, Robert Jr. (Kathy) Strehl, John (Dawn Marie) Strehl, and Kate Strehl; grandchildren Capt. Ryan &  Ashley Strehl USMC, Chris & Dr. Sara (Weldon) May, Robert Strehl III & Laura Somerville, Annie Weldon, Kaitlyn Strehl, Charles Strehl and Elizabeth Strehl; and two wonderful great-grandchildren Harper and Leo Strehl.

A funeral mass for Robert will be held at 11am on May 26th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where he was a lifelong parishioner, in East Jordan followed by internment at the Calvary Cemetery with military honors. Those who wish to remember Bob may send a memorial contribution to the St. Joseph Calvary Cemetery Fund.

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