Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1949
DIED
2013
FUNERAL HOME
Gary Strike Obituary
Pastor Gary L. Strike, age 64, of Waupaca, WI, met his Savior, Jesus, face to face on Sunday, December 8, 2013. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." - Psalm 116:15. Man of God, husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, friend, mentor, leader, and servant - Gary served his Lord and Savior, his loving family, and his country with his life. All who knew him enjoyed his unique sense of humor, his uncanny ability to connect with people and his desire to see everyone know Christ and grow in their walk with the Lord. Gary left a legacy of love, laughter and learning to all who knew him. He was born September 25, 1949 in Iola, WI; son of Willis and Dolores (Doerfler) Strike. Gary served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War from May 10, 1968 - May 9, 1972. On September 27, 1969, Gary married Violet Engle in Palos Park, Illinois and together they have shared 44 years of marriage. He ministered to all branches of military with Campus Crusade for Christ International in San Diego, CA. God called Gary to pastor at Faith Community Church of Waupaca on September 1, 1999 which he did faithfully and passionately until the time of his death. He will be deeply missed by all of his loving family and many friends.
Gary is survived by his loving wife: Violet Strike of Waupaca, WI; two sons: James Strike of Waupaca, WI and Jeffery (Elle) Strike of Minneapolis, MN; two granddaughters: Olive and Lila Strike; two sisters: Selene "Lele" (Jerry) Finch of Neenah, WI and Patti (Don) Weiland of Waupaca, WI; three brothers-in-law: Vernon (Peg) Engle of Stevens Point, WI, Rich (Fran) Engle of Waupaca, WI, and David (Pam) Engle of Waupaca, WI; and a sister-in-law: Carol (Steve) Buck of Waupaca, WI. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Dolores Strike; in-laws, Vernon and Betty Engle; two brothers-in-law, Robert and Alfred Engle; and a sister-in-law, Sue Ann Haase.
A Celebration of Gary's Life will be on Friday, December 13, 2013 at 10:00 AM at Faith Community Church in Waupaca, WI with full military honors performed. Pastor Eric Tober, Pastor Paul Stevens, and Dan Brygger will officiate. A visitation will be held on Thursday evening, Dec. 12, from 4:00 - 8:00 PM at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca and again on Friday from 9:00 - 10:00 AM at the church. Burial will be at Lakeside Memorial Park in Waupaca. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in the name of Gary L. Strike. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Strike
Shelli Buractaon
June 15, 2021
I literally just stumbled upon this. Gary and Violet loved on us during our time at College Avenue Baptist in San Diego in the 90s. My husband was an active duty Marine. I remember spending Thanksgiving at the Strikes house. Such a loving couple.
Paul Stevens
December 8, 2017
Thinking of you today Gary. You're influence in my life and countless others continues to bear witness for Christ four years after your passing. Thank you for modeling strength in weakness and for walking humbly before God. Your witness continues to challenge me.
Gary D. Strike
February 5, 2014
Sorry to read about Gary's passing it was a bit of a shock to me as you will see my name below. You may wish to google,garystrike Carleton place.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
January 28, 2014
My cousin, who I was in awe of when we played together over 50 years ago. I remember you being gentle & cool! Lots of treasured memories in my heart. We have a lot of family in Heaven, I know it will be perfect. So, my friend, we'll reconnect when I get there.
All my love,
Cindy (Mehring) Fisher [email protected]
Robert&Jan Gurholt
December 16, 2013
Sorry for your loss.Gary was a wonderful man,and a good friend.May God watch over you.
Sandy (Carlson) Dobbs
December 14, 2013
Vi- you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have such fond memories of working with Gary in San Diego. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort.
LOLA NEWTON
December 13, 2013
Vi--I am sorry to read in the Post Crescent about Gary--Bev Berendsen told me he had a heart attack. Harold passed away in Aug 2011. we would have had our 70th anniversary this past Weds. It is lonely without them but when we know where they are and much better foo than we are here. May God comfort you and give you peace. with GOD'S LOVE.
Judy Smith
December 13, 2013
Good bye, Gary, my friend and classmate. Your life made a difference, and you will be missed by so many who love you!
kerry and Kate brunner
December 12, 2013
You will be missed terribly.
Rose Koontz
December 12, 2013
Gary was a wonderful man and human being. His faith was so strong it poored from his body. He will be so missed by so many but we were all so very fortunate to have known him. Rest in Peace Gary.
December 12, 2013
Gray will be missed by all that knew him. What a wonderful person and classmate he was. May god be with you .
Del Volpel
December 11, 2013
Warriors never die because their courage lives in those lives they have touched.
Patti Strike Weiland
December 11, 2013
I am and have always been so proud of you, brother. Thank you for loving me so unconditionally…Miss you terribly.
cindy kirk
December 11, 2013
patti and family- my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. sincerely, cindy kirk
Dick Kirk
December 11, 2013
I am so sorry to read today's paper and see Gary's name in the obituaries. I did not know him well as he lived in SD when I saw the Strike family often. I did see him and talk to him in recent years and to me, he was a wonderful man who will be missed. Patti, Selene, and rest of family, I am truly sorry for your loss.
Dorothy Przybylski
December 11, 2013
Forever in our hearts and memories.
Dr. John Steiner
December 10, 2013
Dear Vi and Family. My heart aches for your loss. I could write a book about my feelings at this moment. I have lost a very good friend, shooting partner, and fellow Neck Club member. The community has lost a wonderful citizen. If there were more Gary Strikes around, the World would be a much more peaceful place to live. May God fill your hearts with peace at this difficult time. I will see you Friday.
cindy miller
December 10, 2013
Sorry for you loss.
Cathy Nelson
December 10, 2013
You will be truly missed, dear friend. Watch over and guide my path until we meet again.
Debbi Nauber-Finch
December 10, 2013
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Betzi (Betty) LaMarche
December 10, 2013
I am sorry to learn of you loss of Gary. I am sure the entire Community will miss him.
I bet he and Reid are having a wonderful reunion in Heaven.
Tom LaMarche
December 10, 2013
Gary was my brother's best friend at Waupaca High. We lost Reid almost 20 years ago. Now they can hook up in heaven. RIP, Gary.
Selene, little Patti, and Gary
Selene Finch
December 10, 2013
I love you, Gary. I know you will be watching and guiding us from heaven. I was blessed with a wonderful brother.
I am and have always been so proud of you brother.Thank you for loving me so unconditionally. Miss you terribly!
Patti Strike
December 10, 2013
Richard and Terry Watt
December 10, 2013
Gary has been a long-time member of the Lord's army and will now rest in His arms. He will be sorely missed.
pam sannes
December 10, 2013
May your sorrow be replaced with happy memories of Gary's life.
curt Nauber
December 10, 2013
We will all miss him
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Make a Donation
in Gary Strike's name
Memorial Events
for Gary Strike
Funeral services provided by:
A. J. Holly & Sons Funeral Home - Waupaca526 South Main Street PO Box 254, Waupaca, WI 54981
People and places connected with Gary
Recent Obituaries
How to support Gary'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 Gary Strike'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
