Photo courtesy of Adams Funeral Chapel - Charleston
Aug 17, 1937 - Mar 24, 2018
R.I.P., Mike
Peace Meal was good for Charleston, IL. You helped others throughout your earthly years. - Jacquie
Jacqueline Miller
June 30, 2018 | Tolono, IL | Friend
Jill,
Our deepest sympathies over the loss of your father. Cherish your memories of him and remember he lives on in you and your beautiful children. You, your family, and all who knew him were blessed by his presence and all his wonderful qualities.
Mary and Michael Peco
April 01, 2018 | North Aurora, IL
Gayle, Jill, and Toby---I was so sorry to read about Mike. My thoughts of him go back to First Christian Church. When I was a freshman at Eastern, I believe he must have been working on his Masters. He was always so kind and helpful. I'm glad that my sister Nancy Kay and I talked with you, Gayle, and Mike at Old State Road Christian Church when we were in Charleston in Sep. 2016. Our sympathy reaches out to you. Mike was a special person.
Judy Hunt Milam
March 29, 2018 | Gilbert, AZ
Dear Gayle:
I enjoyed viewing the lovely video of family photos and reading the tribute to Mike's life. I am out of the U.S. just now, and appreciate the Internet's reach.
EIU and The School of Family and Consumer Sciences were honored to have Mike Strader in service to the community for so long and so effectively through Peace Meal.
I did not know until reading today, that Mike is the one who gave the seniors' nutrition program its outstanding and communicative name,...
Frances Murphy
March 29, 2018 | Charleston, IL
God rest Mike's soul! (I go way back, so I remember him as Micky, a delightful kid and young man). My sympathy and prayers are with the family.
MaryJane Hippler
March 28, 2018 | Billings, MT
Sympathy to Gayle and the family. I did not know Mike personally, but Gayle was my Home Ec. teacher at Lovington High School. RIP
Kaye Webb
March 27, 2018 | Sullivan, Ill, IL
So sorry to hear of Mick's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Bonnie (Clark) Allen
March 27, 2018 | Canton, GA | Family
I was lucky enough to work for Mike at the Squire in the early 70s. He was a great boss and a fine gentleman.
Larry Love
March 27, 2018
Condolences to Mike's family. He was a good man.
Chris Pollard
March 27, 2018 | Houston, TX
CHARLESTON, IL – Michael Lee Strader, age 80 of Charleston, died peacefully at home on Saturday, March 24, 2018. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral chapel with Reverend Sharon Patton officiating. Burial will follow in the Arcola Cemetery, Arcola, Illinois. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to Old State Road Christian Church or Charleston Area Churches Food Pantry. Gifts may be left at the visitation or service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.
Mike was born August 17, 1937 in Charleston, Illinois, the seventh of nine children born to Clifford and Thelma (Allen) Strader of Hindsboro, Illinois. He married his high school sweetheart, Gayle Gilbert on September 1, 1957 and their 60th anniversary was celebrated last fall with family. In addition to Gayle he is survived by two children, Jill Strader McCue and husband Mark of Bartlett, Illinois and Tobin Strader and husband Anthonie Lardiere of Fishers, Indiana; five grandchildren, Samantha McCue Placek and husband Matt of Austin, Texas, Matthew McCue of Colorado, Madeline Nicole McCue of Bartlett, Robin Lardiere Strader and Logan Lardiere Strader, both of Fishers; his siblings, Nelson Strader of Oakland, Illinois, Myra Coy of Decatur, Illinois, Duane Strader of Hindsboro, Illinois, Dolores Dague (Archie) also of Oakland, Norman Strader (Marsha) of Arcola, Illinois; a sister-in-law, Jeanne Strader of Hindsboro, Illinois; a brother-in-law, Don England of St. Louis; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Allen and Daniel Strader and a sister, June England.
Mike was a 1955 graduate of Arcola High School. He attained the rank of First Lieutenant while serving with the Illinois National Guard and also completed his Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Illinois University. Being of service to others was of the utmost importance to Mike. He was recruited in the mid 70’s to lead a senior nutrition program, which he would name Peace Meal. It grew to a program operating in 14 counties with 60 meal sites and serving 2500 seniors daily. He was recognized for his local leadership skills and eventually became president of the Illinois Association of Nutrition Programs as well as president of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Service Programs (NANASP). Mike was also instrumental in the establishment of the Charleston Area Churches Food Pantry and continued to serve on its Board of Directors.
Mike was a faithful member of Old State Road Christian Church where he served as an Elder. His love for music was evident as he enjoyed singing in the church choir and was formerly a member of the Coles County Barbershoppers.
Mike’s interests were many and included woodworking, gardening, horses, politics, and model railroading. Many memorable times were spent with family at their Lake Mattoon cottage, boating, taking family vacations and enjoying many family get-togethers. Mike’s sense of humor was appreciated and served him well to the end. He will always be lovingly remembered by his family and many friends.
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