Charles M. Strickler

Chuck Strickler was born July 26, 1931 to Carlton "Red" Strickler and Hazel Tippie in Lima, Ohio. . He graduated from Lima Central High School, where he was a middle distance track star of the four year undefeated track and field team. He graduated from Bowling Green University, and subsequently from the University of Michigan with a Master Degree in Education. He served in the US Army medical corps, stationed in Germany. He accepted a position as a science teacher at Grosse Ile High School, and literally met the girl next door, Joan Beaubien, who became the love of his life, marrying in 1958. He coached the 1959 Grosse Ile HS track and field state championship team. He retired from Ford Motor Company as a systems analyst. He was married for 61 years to Joan Beaubien, with children Marc Strickler (Karen), and Marci Ammerman (William). He spent most weekends with family and friends boating in the Sun Haven and Recess about the Detroit River and Lake Erie. He also took excursions by boat to Toronto, Mackinac Island, Put in Bay and many other destinations. He was Past Commodore of the Grosse Ile Yacht Club, and member of the Grosse Ile Historical Society He was an expert beach comber finding over 300 arrowheads alone. He also golfed frequently with his grandsons, and enjoyed his weekly outings with friends. He also travelled with Joan throughout North America, but his favorite spots were Northport in the Leelanau peninsula, Crystal Bay, and right in his front yard enjoying the varied moods of Sugar Island. He was very proud of his grandchildren Maxwell, Casie , Jack, Grant, Ava, and Lucas attending many of their school, club, and college sporting events (baseball, basketball, golf, soccer, field hockey, gymnastics). In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Charles' life may be made to the Grosse Ile Historical Society: PO Box 131, Grosse Ile, MI 48138