Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Emory Strahlem Obituary
Emory Strahlem, 71, formerly of Akron, died Friday, February 7, 2014, at the Ohio Veterans Home, Sandusky, after a lengthy illness.
He was born on October 29, 1942 in Toledo, graduated from Akron East High School in 1961. He attended The University of Akron and received an Associate's Degree from Okmulgee Technical College.
He was a proud U.S. Army veteran, serving in Vietnam. He retired from the Bureau of Veterans Affairs. He had a special interest in history, especially the Civil War; following retirement, was a math tutor for the Akron Public Library.
Survivors include sisters, Barbara (James) May, Rootstown, Ohio, Lillian Lopeman (Michael Tindell), Ravenna, Ohio, Mary (Arthur) Hensler, Hartville, Ohio; brother, Otto Strahlem, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by parents, Harold and Mary Helen (Reed) Strahlem; sister, Katharine Strahlem.
Visitation is Tuesday, February 11, 2014, 9 a.m. until services at 9:30 a.m. in Ohio Veterans Home, Giffin Chapel, Sandusky. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, Ohio. Contributions to Ohio Veterans Home, 3416 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870 or library of one's choice.
Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky assisting family. Condolences and gifts of sympathy made at www.toftfh.com. (419) 625-8816
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Emory Strahlem
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
6 Entries
Bob & Nancy Brooks
February 11, 2014
Both my wife Nancy and I graduated from Akron East High School in 1961. I can honestly say that I am honored to have known Emory. Lunchtime at East High, like all schools, was a major social event. Students sought out various groups to sit with for whatever social reasons they might have had. Often I would look for Emory as my choice for a lunch buddy. I must admit that I was not a history buff at the time. I had my class in World History and a year of American History and found memorizing dates and names was the most boring thing that I had to endure. Then I met Emory. He shared with me some letters that were written by an ancestor of his during the Civil War. I remember sitting in the cafeteria reading real American History for possibly the first time in my life. Our discussions about the events described in the letters brought for me a new interest in history. This new interest helped to lead me to a degree in Education with a minor in History.
I was excited to learn that Emory was on the list of graduates that planned to attend the 50th reunion of the 1961 graduating class. I spent a part of that evening with Emory telling him what an impact he had on me because of the lunches that we shared at East.
I told him that throughout my teaching career I related the story of having lunch with this extraordinary young man and his letters and how he had influenced my life. In typical Emory stile he was both excited and humbled at knowing that he had this kind of effect on another person. I was looking forward to attending our 53rd reunion this year and hoping to spend time with old friends, with Emory's passing this reunion will be a little sadder for us. I am happy that I had the opportunity to share with Emory this story, because seldom do we get to know what impact we may have on people that we meet.
Bob Brooks
Charlotte, NC
East High
Class of 1961
Kathy McKee
February 11, 2014
George, Lillian, Mary, and families, We are so sorry for your loss. Emory was a very interesting man and we feel blessed to have known him. He served well and will be missed by many. Love and Peace, Thomas and Kathy McKee
February 11, 2014
George, Lillian, Mary and families, We are so sorry for your loss. Emory was a very interesting man and we feel blessed to have known him. He served well and will be missed by many. Love and Peace, Thomas and Kathy McKee
February 10, 2014
We were sorry to hear of Emory's passing. We are all diminished by the loss of Emory. May his memory be eternal.
East High Alumni Association
AkronEastHighAlumni.org
Cheryl Crist Dobbins
February 9, 2014
Mary & Art, "George" (Otto), and family:
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Lillian Lopeman
February 9, 2014
Emory was one of the smartest people I ever knew. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of history, sports and other topics. I learned something every time I had a conversation with him. Dear brother, I will really miss our long talks.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Emory Strahlem's name
Memorial Events
for Emory Strahlem
Funeral services provided by:
Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, Sandusky Chapel2001 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870
How to support Emory's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Emory Strahlem's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
