William "Ken" Kenneth Strang II

William Kenneth ("Ken") Strang II, age 89, of Traverse City Michigan, formerly of Palm Desert, California, passed away at home on Saturday May 4, 2024 surrounded by his family. Ken was born on July 25, 1934 in Los Angeles, California to the late William Kenneth Strang and Lola (Armour) Strang. Ken was the oldest of three children. He was baptized as an infant in the Catholic Church and was confirmed as an adult in 1966 alongside his wife Charnell. Ken attended Ascension Catholic School and George Washington School in Los Angeles, California and stayed in touch with his teachers, the nuns for many years. Although Ken's father died when Ken was very young, he loved his father and mother very much and remained very close to his mother Lola and two sisters, LaRue and Shannon. Ken married his beautiful wife, Charnell Dick, in Tampa, Florida on June 9, 1956, and they moved to California, where they had two children Kenny and Kimberly, and eventually 14 grandchildren. Four of their grandchildren were adopted from Ethiopia. As a husband and father, he took his family to Mass every Sunday and read the Bible to them on Sunday afternoons. He trusted in Christ and Christ's finished work on the Cross alone for his salvation. Ken, Charnell and their children Kenny and Kimberly enjoyed living in Whittier, Glendale, Clayton, Laguna Niguel, Murrieta, and Palm Desert California before Ken and Charnell moved to Traverse City to be near daughter Kimberly, her husband Rob and their children. Ken earned his Bachelor's of Science in Industrial Engineering at California State University Long Beach. He worked in architecture, and was general contractor in building homes and commercial buildings in Los Angeles. Ken then became a licensed real estate agent and broker, having a very successful real estate career, and ultimately owning a beachfront real estate company, Laguna Niguel Realty. He was always top salesman in real estate and a gifted public speaker. Ken served in the U.S. Air Force for four years, 1952-1956. He received decorations during the Korean Conflict: ten medals, including 3 Battle Stars, the Syngman Rhee Presidential Citation and a good conduct medal. He received an Honorable Discharge. Ken was always in tip-top physical shape. He played tennis, ran regularly, especially with his daughter Kimberly, and played golf. Ken was an avid reader. He was always reading, sharing his favorite books with others and encouraging people to be avid readers. He enjoyed taking his family to Broadway shows and restaurants in Los Angeles. Ken always said his greatest success was marrying the love of his life Charnell and “having two of the best children a guy could have.” Ken and Charnell were happily married 68 years. He was proud that his two children chose wonderful spouses and have happy, established marriages and are loving, caring parents to their children. Ken embodied the expression "attitude is everything" no matter the trial or situation. He handled literally everything with a positive attitude. His charisma and leadership drew people to him….his family, his long-time friends and all he came into contact with. He was President of Rotary International and a member for many years. He also served his community on many boards and organizations throughout his life. Ken is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Charnell Lenore Strang, children Ken Strang (spouse Cynthia Strang) and Kimberly (Strang) Whims (spouse Robert Whims), fourteen grandchildren and sister Shannon Hattig. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister LaRue. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Heartland Hospice and the staff at French Manor South for their care and compassion for Ken. He loved his family well. He was an exemplary husband, father, son and brother. He was loved SO MUCH by so many! A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 am, with visitation starting at 10 am, on Friday, May 10, 2024 at St. Francis Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Burial will follow at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. In a lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Thrive Medical Clinic of Traverse City.

William "Ken" Kenneth Strang II

July 25, 1934 - May 4, 2024