Jean Louise (Simmons) Strehl

  Jean L. Strehl, 94, of East Jordan passed away on Tuesday, August 28th, 2018 surrounded by family. She was born on May 10th, 1924 to Mary Edith and Harry Simmons of East Jordan with siblings Harry Jr., William, Gerald “Dutch”, Mary Jane, and Patricia. After graduating East Jordan High School in 1942, Jean joined the World War II effort at the Willow Run Bomber Plant  as a “Rosie the Riveter”.

  Following the war, Jean attended and graduated from Central Michigan University in 1949 with a degree in education. Jean began her career teaching in Traverse City Public School system; and on June 2nd1951, married her high school sweetheart, Robert  Strehl, in East Jordan. 

  After raising their four children, Jean returned to teaching in the East Jordan Public School system, retiring after 33 years in 1986. Jean always stated that if she could be the bright spot in a child’s day, she had done her job well. 

  In retirement, Jean remained an active member of the East Jordan community through volunteer work, and enjoyed gardening and staying active with her family. Jean and Bob also enjoyed 32 years of wintering in Tucson, AZ; participating in many clubs and activities in their retirement village with lifelong friends. 

  Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Robert Strehl, and is survived by their children Mary Louise (Stephen) Weldon of Traverse City, MI; Robert Jr. (Kathy) Strehl of Downingtown, PA; Kate Strehl of Portage, MI; John (Dawn Marie) Strehl of East Jordan, MI; grandchildren Maj. Ryan & Ashley Strehl USMC, Chris & Dr. Sara (Weldon) May, Robert Strehl III & wife Laura Somerville, Annie Weldon & husband Dr. Collin Paschall, Kaitlyn Strehl, Charles Strehl and Elizabeth Strehl; and two great-grandchildren Harper and Leo Strehl. 

  A graveside service for Jean will be held Saturday September 1st, 2018 at the Saint Joseph Calvary Cemetery at 1pm. Following the service, a gathering in Jean’s memory will be held at the Strehl family home. Any donations in Jean’s honor can be made to CROSSROADS Ecumenical Resale Shop at 6710 M-32, East Jordan, MI. 

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