William Franklin Strong

1951 - 2025

William Franklin Strong
December 5, 1951 - April 12, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Bill Strong. Bill died at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital accompanied by his wife Cheryl and dear friend Delphine Mangan. For over 15 years, Bill suffered from autonomic storming, very painful symptoms in his head and body. There was no treatment for this condition.
He is survived by his loving wife Cheryl. The couple would have celebrated 20 years of marriage on May 21,2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Gloria Strong, and his sister Christine Peterson (Larry). He leaves behind his two sisters, Susan Atherton (Gregory) and Dorothy Davis (Michael). He loved his niece and nephews. They said he gave great "bear hugs".
Bill graduated from Ukiah High School in 1970, matriculating to Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC). In high school and college, he excelled in sports, particularly football, baseball, and wrestling. He was named in the Junior College All-American roster in 1970-1971. Bill continued his education and sports career at the University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, on a scholarship. In 2018, Bill was inducted into SRJC Hall of Fame.
After college, Bill worked in San Francisco, and then Ukiah, as an electrician and production manager for Mrs. Dennison's Cookie Corporation. The company made cookies for" It's It", and other cookie brands. Bill was extremely hard-working and talented and could install, care for, or fix almost anything.
Bill moved to Windsor in 2005, where he and Cheryl enjoyed country living. He was energetic and full of life, loving being outside. He grew a big garden with vegetables, berries, and fruit trees. He preserved jellies and jams, canned peaches, pears, plums, apricots, tomatoes for sauce and bread and butter pickles. He was happiest sharing the bounty with relatives and friends. He loved entertaining and trying new recipes. He made delicious pies and cobblers.
Bill served as Chef for the Windsor Museum and Historical Society's Annual Polenta dinner and fund raiser for nine years, accompanied by his very dear friend Josephine Rebich.
He loved fishing, especially for salmon in Alaska, joining his good friends Jim and Emily Duarte for many years. He fished in Bodega Bay, on the "Reelentless", both for bottom fish and Dungeness crabs. Cheryl fished and went for crabs alongside him on many trips. Bill would give away his catch to friends and family. He saved some for making smoked salmon, and his own "secret" recipe for smoked salmon dip.
Bill and Cheryl traveled to Mexico, South America, Egypt, Portugal, France, Czechoslovakia, and Holland. They had a trip planned in July for an African Safari and in January 2026, a trip to New Zealand and Australia with friends. The couple explored Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, and other National Parks.
Bill had a huge heart. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.