Melvin Strouse

Melvin Strouse

Melvin Willard Strouse passed away on September 15, 2023, at the age of 86, in Lebanon, Ohio, of Alzheimer's disease. He is survived by his wife, Karen (nee Wilson); sons, Donald (Dianna) Bennett, Kevin (Gaylene) Strouse and Matthew (Jamie) Strouse; daughters, Christina (Mark Schwabenlender) Magellan, Dora Dyami and Michelle (Adam) Wieser; sister, Dorothy Strouse; and numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Willard and Clara (nee Jones) Strouse; his brothers, Robert and Larry Strouse; and his beloved 1953 Oldsmobile.

Melvin was born on May 15, 1937, in Trilby, Ohio. He worked for 55 years, starting at the age of 12 in 1949. He enjoyed talking about his early jobs as a tailor's assistant, a soda jerk at a drug store, and a landscaper during the construction of the Ohio Turnpike. He started a 24-year career with Owens-Illinois in Toledo, Ohio in 1957, where he transitioned from a laborer to working on product development to early computer information systems. O-I also afforded him the ability to complete his bachelor's degree from the University of Toledo in 1970. He retired from information technology systems at Fresenius Medical Care in Massachusetts in 2004. From 1957-1962 he was in the United States Coast Guard reserves.

He was always active, jogging and riding bicycles frequently. He completed the Five Boro Bike Tour in NYC ten years in a row, sometimes with one or more of his children or grandchildren in tow. He was skilled at home remodeling, converting a neighborhood grocery store into a family home in Moline, Ohio. He enjoyed photography and was the designated photographer at family events. Other hobbies included classic cars and collecting stamps and coins. He was fortunate to meet his goal of visiting all 50 states in his lifetime.

Melvin has chosen cremation through the Neptune Society, and a memorial service will take place on Saturday, October 7th. Visitation at Noon, and Memorial Service at 1 p.m. Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N Main Street, Sylvania, OH 43560. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lebanon Presbyterian Church (Lebanon, Ohio) or the Alzheimer's Association.