Paul Strobridge

Paul Strobridge was not someone consumed by material gains in life, but by the satisfaction of putting his family first and doing the best job he could with whatever task was at hand.

Paul Strobridge was born on August 15, 1915, in the small village of Pierson, Michigan to proud parents, William and Alice (Beetsma) Strobridge. He was one of four Strobridge sons. In the early 1940s, Paul met and married the love of his life, Barbara "Bobbie", and they had four wonderful children together: Barbara Jean, Alice, Pauline and Roger.

Paul spent his life balancing hard work with being a loving father and husband. Over the years, he worked a variety of jobs, including farming, but was eventually hired into Fuller Transmission, a division of Eaton Corp. in Kalamazoo on April 17, 1950. After 30 years as a machine operator and inspector at Fuller, Paul retired on January 1, 1981. Being retired meant Paul and his wife Bobbie had more time to devote to some of their favorite pastimes together. They enjoyed dancing, camping, golfing, bus trips and playing cards with friends and family. Paul was a big fisherman too and enjoyed attending fish fries with his family. For many years, the couple escaped harsh Michigan winters by heading out west to their favorite warm spot, Apache Junction, Arizona.

All who knew and loved Paul will treasure his memory.

Paul Strobridge, age 91 of Martin, MI, passed away on March 18, 2007, at Springdale Village Nursing Facility, Mesa, AZ. Paul was preceded in death by his brothers, Harold and Elmer, a son-in-law, Bernard P. Brown, and a granddaughter, Kelly Ann Strobridge. Members of Paul's family include his wife of 67 years, Barbara (Bobbie); his children: Barbara Jean (Clayton Campbell) Brown, Alice (Tony) Hoitinga, Pauline (Dan) Sturman and Roger (Susan) Strobridge; 12 grandchildren and their spouses, 35 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren; his brother, Gary (Carolyn) Strobridge; and step-sister, Loretta (John) Stanus; and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place and private services will be held at a later date. Please visit Paul's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory of him or sign his online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice or Cornerstone Hospice. Paul's family was cared for by Life Story Funeral Homes, RDMG, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell, Michigan.