Gary D. Strong

Gary D. Strong, age 82, formerly of Iron River, MI, went to be with the Lord Saturday, May 24, 2014 in Ishpeming, MI in the presence of his loving family. He was born August 11, 1931 in Elkhart, IN, the son of the late Howard and Florence (Hosterman) Strong. He attended the Elkhart Schools, graduating with the Class of 1949. Gary married the former Patricia Neff on January 14, 1950 in Elkhart. The couple celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this year. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church of Poplar Bluff, MO, the Michigan Laborers Union 1329, and a former member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Iron River. He enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling, model railroading, and spending time with his family. Gary is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Michael (Kathy Smith) Strong of Oconto, WI, Christine Lanska of Virginia, MN, Betty (Mark Paszkiewcz) Crowgey of Green Bay, WI, Douglas (Laurie) Strong of Foster City, MI, and Janice Sorelle of Negaunee, MI; 15 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Lee Strong and three great grandchildren. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 27, 2014 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron River and Wednesday, May 28, 2014 from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Iron River. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with Pastor D.J. Thomsen to officiate. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary D. Strong, please visit our flower store.