Wayne Theodore Stricker

Wayne Theodore Stricker, 84, of Traverse City passed away unexpectedly on Monday June 25, 2018 while working in his yard. Wayne was born on July 17, 1933 in Traverse City to the late Theodore and Hazel (Lewis) Stricker. He married Myrna F. Melone on May 28, 1960 in Highland Park, MI at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. Together they lovingly raised two wonderful children David and Michelle. Honorably, Wayne proudly served our Country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He also served in the United States Coast Guard Reserves and the Naval Reserves. Wayne was very proud of being an American. He was extremely patriotic and proudly loved to wear his red, white and blue. Wayne retired from the State Hospital in 1989 after 34 years as the Food Service Supervisor. He was a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church for many years where he had many great friends. Also he was a Life Member of the VFW, Atlanta Eagles, Moose Lodge, American Legion and the USS Salem Association. He also enjoyed his Life Membership at the Cedar Rod and Gun Club where he liked to shot sporting clays. Wayne had a sweet tooth and never turned down a cookie. In his spare time he loved to bird watch, feed the birds, hunt, fish and most importantly spend time with his family. Fondly, Wayne will be remembered as a great husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, father-in-law, friend and American. By many, his sense of humor was thought to be like a burnt marshmallow; crusty on the outside but soft and tender on the inside. Fondly, he will be remembered for love of sweets, gentle soul and love for both his family and his Country. Wayne will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Surviving Wayne is his wife Myrna of 58 devoted years; son David (Cherie) Stricker of Sheridon WY, Michelle Strait of Traverse City, MI; grandchildren, Danielle, Corey, Jessica, Sara; great grandson Bradyn; brothers Carl (Beverly) Stricker, Jerry (Diana) Stricker and many loving family members and friends. Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, sister Marie Morrison and beloved dog Elliott. Visitation will take place from 5-8pm on Thursday June 28, 2018 at St. Patrick Catholic Church with a rosary prayed at 7:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11am on Friday June 29, 2018 also at Church with a visitation held one hour prior. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery at a later time. Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Patrick Food Pantry. Kindly share thoughts and memories of Wayne with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.