Phillip Dale Strouse
8 Post Condolences
Phillip D. Strouse, age 69, of rural Ithaca, died suddenly on June 5, 2017, at his home.
Phil was born in Alma on December 17, 1947, the son of Frederick George and Rosa Marilee (Wood) Strouse. He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1966, the first graduating class in the new building. On September 23, 1983 he married Mary E. Strouse in Mt. Pleasant.
As Phil grew up he was a member of the 4-H Circle E Riders and the Michigan Trail Riders Association. He worked with his father training horses, and one year qualified to take his horse to state competition. He sang in the choir in school and was a cast member for the musical Oklahoma, and with the influence of Mr. VunCannon and Mr. Brien, developed a lifelong love for music and singing. He has been a member of the Midstatesmen Barber Shoppers for over 30 years, singing with the chorus, Suitable Union Quartet, and ABSQ quartet. He enjoyed going with others and singing at nursing homes, senior centers, and delivering singing valentines.
Phil worked for Local #652 at Oldsmobile in Lansing for 31.2 years, served as Master for the Gratiot Grange and the Studley Grange in Midland County, played horseshoes at the Ithaca Senior Center, and loved camping with the Oldsmobile Outdoor Club.
Phil also served in many different capacities as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Elder’s Quorum Presidency in Mt. Pleasant and in Ithaca, was the Ithaca building physical facilities rep, was a family history consultant and worked helping others do family research in the family history centers in Mt.Pleasant and Midland. He was also a member of the Genealogical Society of Isabella County and Gratiot County Historical and Genealogical Society.
Phil is survived by his wife, Mary; his sons, John and Todd; his granddaughters, McKenzie and Erin; his half brother, Freddie John Strouse of Dewitt; his aunt, Joy Wood; and his uncle, Vincent Strouse. He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant brother, Bruce.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 9, at the Ithaca Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Interment will follow in North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 8, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial contributions may be made to the Midstatesmen Barber Shoppers for their school music support, or to a musical organization of your choice.
Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.
Reader Comments (8)
Our condolences. Phil was a wonderful man who's love for family, life and singing will give you many memories to hold close. He is now part of a greater choir, watching over all of you forever. Our thoughts are with you.
Jerry & Cathy
So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed talking with Phil. He was always so positive and just a very nice man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dave
we are so sorry to hear of Phil's passing, but we know he is in good hands where he is. Phil always had a good word to say to all and I know that you were a comfort and strength as well as a joy to and for him. He always glowed when he talked, but not as brightly as when he talked of you. I know he will be missed dearly.
We love you Mary, and we are here for you.
Stephanie & Tom Smith
I was so sorry to hear of Phil's passing! I've known him since high school and saw him at some of the barbershop concerts. He was always so kind and upbeat. God has a wonderful soul in the heavenly choir now! Sending prayers of peace and healing to you all.
Cyndi (Fortney) Roslund
Marissa
( 2 Corinthians 1:3,4) I wish the very best for your family during the difficult days ahead, take care.