Stanley Anthony Strugala

Stanley Anthony Strugala, 74, of Sanford, passed away unexpectedly at his home on November 30, 2025. He was born on October 8, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Stanley and Wanda (Madajczyk) Strugala.
Stanley is survived by his wife, Dorothy (Wrubel) Strugala; his beloved sister, Carolynn; his children: daughter Joelle, and sons Brent (Becki), Glenn (Trudy), and Wade (Holly); his grandchildren: Bailey (John), Zachary, Justin (Chelsea), Kyla (Shane), Ashley, Seth, Rob (Christina), Jacob (Kristy), Lillian, and Margot; and his great-grandchildren: Leland, Aurora, Ares, Violet, Gabriella, Max, Caleb, Scarlett, Eva, Xander, and Avery. He also leaves behind many loving cousins.
Stanley graduated from Wayne State University with a bachelor's degree and later retired from Central Steel & Wire Company after more than 25 years of dedicated service-where he also met the love of his life, Dorothy. For more than 45 years, Stan and Dorothy shared a deep passion for the outdoors. Together, they enjoyed hunting deer, duck, goose, woodcock, and grouse, and spent countless hours walking in the woods simply appreciating nature. They especially loved taking back-road trips throughout Michigan, savoring the quiet beauty of the places they discovered. Stan also created lifelong memories on hunting trips with friends, including excursions to North Dakota.
Stan had a lifelong love for turtles-a passion sparked by his uncle, Ed Strugala, when he was young. His devotion to protecting them became widely known among family and friends. Many who knew him found themselves stopping along the roadside to help turtles cross safely because of his influence. He loved sharing his knowledge, especially with his grandchildren, and worked closely with the Michigan DNR on turtle conservation. He also enjoyed participating in woodcock bird banding and often told the story of a bird a friend harvested that turned out to be one he had banded himself.
A dedicated outdoorsman, Stan was an active member of several conservation organizations, including the Ruffed Grouse Society and Ducks Unlimited.
Stan was also a proud and devoted dog father to Bridgette, Maggie, Abby, and Sophie. His love for animals extended far and wide-though he would happily admit that squirrels were the exception.
Above all, Stan was deeply dedicated to his family. He was a constant presence in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always showing up to encourage, support, and celebrate every milestone, big or small. His love was steady, unwavering, and felt by all who knew him.
Friends may visit with the family from 4:00–6:00 p.m. on December 8, 2025, at Smith-Miner Funeral Home, with words of remembrance from 6:00 p.m. until the rosary starts at 6:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on December 9, 2025, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church (St. Agnes), with Father Dan Fox officiating. A chapel service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on December 10, 2025, at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are asked to consider making a contribution in Stan's honor to American Diabetes Association.
Smith-Miner Funeral Home is honored to serve the Strugala family. To share a memory or message of condolence, please visit their website. www.smithminer.com