William J. LeStrange Jr.

1930 - 2024

William J. LeStrange Jr.

William J. LeStrange, Jr., age 93, peacefully ascended to his heavenly home on January 8, 2024. Born on September 13, 1930, in Roselle, NJ, to William J. Sr., and Julia Wolfe, Bill's journey through life was one of adventure and resilience.

From his spirited New Jersey and New York childhood to settling in Toledo post-WWII, Bill's zest for life was evident. He embraced diverse experiences, from lifeguarding to managing a substantial paper route, and witnessing the Hindenburg disaster. Bill graduated from Central Catholic HS in 1948, and enrolled in his father's alma mater, St. Bonaventure University in Allegheny, New York in September 1949, where he played on the freshman basketball team. In 1952, (one year after being married), Bill was called to active duty in the US Navy, and was assigned to the battleship USS New Jersey where he served as Quartermaster. Bill then proudly served in the Naval Reserve for 12 years.

In 1951, Bill married Mary L. Hancock, and together they raised six children. His pride in his Irish Catholic heritage shone through, seldom missing Mass, or a Notre Dame football game.

After Bill's Navy deployment, he joined his father in the insurance business and quickly became a leading producer for American United Life and Illinois Mutual. His legacy includes designing & managing the first College Life program in the US. In 1957, Bill made the decision to join other leading producers in the area to provide quality insurance products as Savage & Associates and LeStrange & Sons. He continued to grow LeStrange & Sons over the next 35 years, eventually retiring and turning over his legacy to his son, Tom.

Bill's impact in the insurance industry was profound. He was a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table, served as President of the Toledo Association of Life Underwriters, and achieved numerous accolades, including the National Sales Achievement for 42 years, and the National Quality Award for 45 years. His passion extended to educating others, serving as a senior instructor for the Life Underwriter Training Council for 25 years and contributing articles to various insurance trade journals.

Upon retirement, Bill continued to share his creativity through writing, contributing short stories to national magazines and focusing on Maumee Valley history with monthly articles in his favorite publication, Bend of the River. An avid painter, his works grace the homes of his children, a testament to his generous and creative spirit. Bill dedicated his time and made significant contributions to many religious organizations and charitable causes, notably sponsoring multiple service dogs through Assistance Dogs at The Ability Center and supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Bill's father had authored an autobiography prior to his death and Bill spent many years adding his life experiences and the extensive family tree research dating back centuries.

Bill had a wide range of friends and was a regular for many years at the VFW and American Legion in Swanton. He spent many hours enjoying his friend's company and solving the world's problems at the old Schuckers, the VFW and the American Legion. Bill often said, "I have had thousands of acquaintances in my life, but only since retiring have I found real friends." The same could be said about Fairways Bar & Grill, where he and his wife Mary were regulars. Bill compared Fairways to Cheers! Everyone knew them, and where they sat!

Survived by his wife of 72 years, Mary; and their 6 children, Susan Stupsker, Joan Campbell, John (Lisa), Scott (Pam), Robert, and Tom (Lisa). Additionally, Bill's legacy includes 17 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren (#11 due in June). He will join those who passed before him, including his parents, William and Julia, sister, Joan Rorick, and grandsons, Jason Campbell and Michael LeStrange.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Hospice of NW Ohio, St. Anne's nursing staff, Friends & Family Home Healthcare, and Ohioans Healthcare, who supported Bill in his final year. A special thank you to daughter, Susan, who was a full-time companion over the past several years, allowing Bill and Mary to remain in their home as long as possible.

Visitation will be held at Walker Funeral Home on Monday, January 15 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., (5155 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo). The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 16 at 11:00 a.m. (6149 Hill Ave., Toledo) A private entombment at Resurrection Cemetery will follow the funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bill's name to The Ability Center- Assistance Dogs, 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania, OH 43560 (abilitycenter.org/donate) or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude)

Bill was a Husband, Father, Patriot, Salesman, Writer, Artist, Visionary, Philanthropist, and friend to many. His spirit lives on in the cherished memories of his family and those whose lives he touched.

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