Flint, Michigan
STRAHLE, IMOGENE (Gene) Of Flint, age 96, died peacefully Saturday, June 17, 2017 and joined her husband, Arthur, in Heaven. Funeral service will be held 11am Friday, June 23, 2017 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 402 South Ballenger Highway, Flint, Jeffrey B. Walsh Pastor officiating. Burial in Sunset Hills Cemetery. Visitation 12-2pm and 5-8:30pm Thursday at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint. Loving Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, she was born and raised in Highland Illinois, and attended business school in St. Louis, MO. She had two daughters from her previous marriage, Sharon and Patricia, before moving to Michigan in 1946. Later, she and Arthur had three children, Nancy, David and Gail. After 27 years as a homemaker, bridge club enthusiast, knitter, golfer, and pipe organ dedication attendee, she purchased a Diet Workshop franchise, a national weight loss program for eastern Michigan. She grew the existing 16 classes at the time to over 100 classes. A great motivator, Gene's leadership enabled her staff to teach members about healthy eating and lifestyle changes through weekly classes, and individual counseling. Gene's love of helping others and her energetic, dedicated staff and program members kept her young and vital. She taught her last class just this past April. Gene enjoyed so many happy moments at the family cottage in Caseville, loved nurturing her geraniums and enjoyed water aerobics during the winter. She was a strong supporter of Flint's Performing Arts and a member of Vis-a-Vis. Her family is grateful for her amazing neighbors who watched over her and loved her the past several years. Her loved-filled life is attributed to her positive attitude, strength, persistence and ability to adjust and adapt to life's journey. Preceding her in death was husband Arthur (1999), daughter Nancy Wentworth (1977) and daughter Sharon Malloy (2013). Surviving are son, Dr. David A. Strahle (Marjorie) of Fenton, MI and daughters Patricia Riker (Dennis) of Wimberley, TX, Gail Catron (Dave) of Haslett, MI and son-in-law, John Wentworth II of Fenton, MI; Also surviving are Grandchildren, Scott Gray (Donna) of Columbiaville, MI, Matthew Gray (Debra Miller) of Knoxville, TN, Carly Cummings (Jeff) of Richmond, UT, Dr. Karen Wash of Cibolo, TX, Timothy Riker of Tucson, AZ, Peter Riker (Kristen) of Tucson, AZ, John Wentworth III (Jennifer) of Fenton, MI, Michelle Hallan (William) of Okemos, MI, Lindsay Strahle (Derek Black) of Austin, TX Christen Kostaroff (Dan) of Rochester, MI, Amanda Strahle of Austin, TX, Dr. Catherine A. Strahle of Cincinnati, OH; Step-grandchildren, Angie Conflitti (Christopher) of Grand Rapids, MI and Bethany Taylor (Matthew) of Okemos, MI; Great-grandchildren, Bryan Gray, Ashley Veitz, Christina Kennedy, the Triplets, Katie, Christopher and Emily Wash, Brenden and Cameryn Riker, Olivia, Zachary and Theodore Hallan, Ethan Gray, Alden Black, Gianna and Vivienne Conflitti, Anna and Jacob Taylor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Organ Restoration Fund at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Flint or the Flint Institute of Music in her memory. Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
Dr. Strahle,
I just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you and your family at this difficult time. I met your mother when you were the only doctor at the office in Flint. (a few years ago) She was a delight and I was blessed to have the opportunity to have met her. I will keep you and yours in my prayers.
Kind thoughts,
Lorrie Fite and family
June 23, 2017
We are sorry for the family as they grieve the lost of Imogene, yet rejoice for her as she has now entered her eternal home. We knew her for such a short time, however, it was easy to become acquainted with her at Genesee Gardens and to know that she was a true believer in the Lord Jesus. Pastor and wife at Genesee Gardens.
Rev Roger and Janice Cleeton
June 23, 2017 | Grand Blanc, MI
Hold her memories dear, Gail. Paual Kirk Labadie, Grosse Pointe Farms.
June 22, 2017
David and Marge: thinking of you at this time of loss. Fondly remembering our time together in S. Africa. No matter the age, no matter the circumstances, when Mom is gone, life is never quite the same. Thoughts and prayers.
Barbara and Douglas Mercer
June 22, 2017 | Byron, MI
David, really sorry about your loss. She was a terrific lady and must have been very proud of you and also had a great time with her wonderful grandchildren! My mom also died this year at 98. Prayers to you and your family. See you soon. Gregg
Gregg Pane
June 21, 2017 | McLean, VA
The family of Gene Strahle
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy for your loss--Gene was an exceptional "Lady ", businesswoman and friend. I worked many years for her at D.W. and it was a wonderful relationship
with many great memories.
May your happy memories help with your healing and give you peace
Dawn and Gene Kiesel
June 21, 2017 | Grand Blanc, MI
So sad to hear of the death of Mrs. Strahle. I have known her most all of my life. Enjoyed spending time at her house with daughter Pat when we were in school. She also was a dear friend of my moms. Every time I saw her she was upbeat and just never seemed to change. Always a happy person.She will be truly missed and I send my condolences to her family.
Cheryl Thoms
June 21, 2017 | Flint, MI
Gail, David and family,
My condolences and prayers are with you at the loss of your mother. From her unwavering and energetic support and presence from all things musical when we were high school students, to the interest she would show when we would occasionally meet in East Lansing or Okemos, Gene was gracious, joyous, kind and attentive. May God's peace sustain you during this time of loss and celebration of a life well lived.
Rev. Dr. Robert Hundley
June 21, 2017 | Grand Rapids, MI
Gail and family,
I was so deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. I remember her from when we were practically still kids as always being gracious (and lovely!). I wish you all peace and the healing that comes from happy memories.
Much love
Dale L. Strobel
June 21, 2017 | SLC, UT
