Phillip Dale Strouse

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.