Robert Strempel

Age 92, of Flint, died Saturday, October 10, 2015 at Cranberry Park Memory Care – Clio. Memorial service will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at 11:00 am, at Martin Funeral, Cremation and Tribute Services-Genesee Township. Burial to follow in Thetford Township Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and Saturday, from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home on Friday at 5:00 pm for miltary honors conducted by Marine Corp League Flint Detachment # 155. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s memory to the Old Newsboys or Medical Team Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mr. Strempel was born September 13, 1923, in Flint, the son of the late William A. and the late Anna (Hansel) Strempel. He and Donna Van Wagoner were united in marriage on June 23, 1951. Robert was a graduate of Flint Central High School, Class of 1941. He served his country in the US Navy from 1942 until 1946, stationed in the Attu, Aleutian Islands. Robert loved to fly planes and was a licensed commercial and private pilot, as well as a licensed flight instructor. He would retire from Fisher Body in Grand Blanc after 30 years of service as a tool and die maker. He would then go on to work another 33 years as a certified building inspector for Genesee Township. Throughout Robert’s life he built three houses, including a cabin up north. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to the cabin, golfing, walking for miles, backpacking on Isle Royal, sailing with his buddy, Andy Huggler on the Great Lakes, and ball room dancing, which he took up during his 60’s. His true love was his family: children, grand children, and great-grand children. Robert is survived by wife: Donna Strempel (Van Wagoner); two daughters: Sue Bostwick; and Kaye “Katie” (James) Gerzetich; six grandchildren: Samantha (James) Cummer, Tanya (James) Konieczny, Kenneth (Angie) Bostwick, William Bostwick, Rebecca (Mark) Walker, and Thomas Bruton; two step grandchildren: Frank (Andrea) Gerzetich, and Robert (Molly) Gerzetich; 16 great-grandchildren: Alyssa, Gaige, Tyler, Keegan, Kaylea, Kirsten, Kennedy, Piper, Jonathan, Luke, Devyn, Drew, Joslinn, Jayd, Nolan, and Benny; daughter-in-law: Denise Strempel; two sister’s-in-law: Jeanette Van Wagoner, and Marlene Clemenshaw; brother-in-law: James (Marilyn) Van Wagoner and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Jack, and Dick; son: Gary Strempel, who died December 29, 2014; and two sisters-in-law: Maxine, and Ruth. Special thanks to The Medical Team Hospice and Dr. Daniel and James Walter.