Robert Strong

Bob Strong was a man who loved to be around people, plain and simple. He could talk to anybody, and was always open to learning something new. Once you were friends with Bob, you had a friend for life – he was devoted to those he cared for, and supported them in every way he could. Above all else, however, Bob loved his family, and took great joy in spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Although Bob will be deeply missed by those he leaves behind, it is comforting to reflect that his was a life truly well lived: a life spanning almost ninety years, filled with laughter and friendship, passion for his work, and a large and loving family.

In the United States, the “Roaring Twenties” were a time of economic prosperity and changing social values, including new rights for women, the popularization of radio, and increasing consumerism. Robert George Strong was born in the middle of this exciting decade, on February 10, 1926, and shared his birth year with the first demonstration of television, the invention of the aerosol spray, and the introduction of the 40-hour workweek.

A whopping 10.5 pounds at birth, Bob was delivered at home in Oakland County, Michigan. Bob’s proud parents, Milton and Iva (Wilson) Strong, soon moved their family to Pontiac, Michigan, where Bob grew up with siblings Harold, Donald, Norman, and Dave (sadly, Norman died at the age of ten). Typical hard-working, Depression-era parents, Milton and Iva both worked outside the home: Milton as a gardener, and Iva as a housekeeper.

As a boy Bob enjoyed playing ball, fishing, and eating his mom’s famous sugar cookies. He also had an unusual pet: while most boys have puppies or turtles, Bob raised a nanny goat! When he was 6 years old, Bob broke his hip by falling off the porch. With 6 months in a cast and 6 months in rehabilitation, Bob spent a whole year away from his family – the silver lining was that his excited family members spoiled him when he finally made it back home.

Bob graduated from Pontiac High School in 1944, where in addition to his studies he had enjoyed playing basketball. American was in the throes of WWII at the time, and Bob answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S. Navy. He served for two years as an Electrician’s Mate, and was honorably discharged. Back home in Michigan, Bob enrolled as an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, where he would graduate in 1950 with a degree in forestry.

On March 14, 1952, Bob eloped with the woman who would be the love of his life: Janet Schalk, of Rogers City. The happy couple was married in a Lutheran church in South Bend, Indiana, beginning a marriage that would endure for more than six decades. Bob was already blessed with his son Larry but as the years went on, both Bob and Janet were blessed with three more children, whom they named Linda, Bobbi, and Gordon.

Bob supported his family as a game biologist, working for the DNR. Bob loved his job, and was heavily involved in getting the elk population back at Pigeon River, and the moose population back in Michigan. The job required a fair amount of moving around, and over the years Bob was stationed at West Branch, Sault Ste. Marie, Gaylord, Marquette, and Lansing.

In addition to his work, Bob was also very active in the community. He was involved in the VFW, various Sportsmen Clubs, hockey associations, church councils, and the credit union board. Bob served as a community mediator, and worked as an umpire for high school level games. Of course, he was also belonged to a number of conservation groups, including the Michigan Conservation Foundation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, and the Michigan Deer Hunters Association. In his free time, Bob loved hunting, fishing, and traveling.

After his retirement in 1986, Bob and Janet moved to Alpena, Michigan, where they were faithful members of the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Bob took advantage of his golden years to continue doing what he loved – hunting, fishing, golfing, and travelling. He was also delighted to have become a grandfather and great-grandfather, and always looked forward to spending time with family. He was deeply involved in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and the memories he created with them over the years will live on in their hearts and memories.

Friendly, upbeat, and kind hearted, Bob was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members.

Mr. Robert George “Bob” Strong died on June 15, 2013, at the age of 87, surrounded by his loving family. Bob’s family includes his loving wife of 61 years, Janet; his children, Linda (James) Dolton of Mason, MI, Bobbi (Larry) Cornell of Alpena, Gordon (Robin) Strong of Chesapeake, VA, and Larry (Linda) Dean of Suttons Bay, MI; his grandchildren, Robby, Kenny, P.J., Katie, Clay, and Kristin; his great-grandchildren, Nathan, Allison, and Emalee; and his brother, David (Cathy) Strong of Lapeer, MI. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Harold, Donald and Norman.

Robert Strong is at McWilliams Funeral Home – Alpena, where friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, June 19, at Immanuel Lutheran Church from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Rev. James D. Erickson and Rev. Barton Gray will officiate. Military honors will be provided by VFW Post #2496. Memorial donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran School Scholarship Fund or Hospice of Michigan. Please visit Bob’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.