Robert Strong of Ithaca, Michigan passed away on January 2, 2023 at the age of 85. Bob was born on June 5, 1937. He was the eldest son of Helen (Kellogg) Strong and Delbert Strong. He attend Yound Country School (a one room country school) of Newark Township in Gratiot County from kindergarten to the eighth grade. He then attended Ithaca High School and graduated from there in the class of 1956. Upon graduation he then joined the US Army under the Eisenhower Reserve Act of 1955. He received his training at Ft. Leonardwood in Missouri and Ft. Chaffee in Arkansas. He shot Expert Marksman with the M-1 rifle during his training. After finishing his training, he worked at Michell-Bentley Company in Ionia on the assembly line. At this time he married Mary Ann MacLaren on June 14, 1957. This union produced four sons. He attended Alma College while working part time for the city of Alma, Lobdell-Emery Manufacturing, working on the construction of the new US 127 east of Ithaca and also farming. After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree from Alma College, he taught Math at Ithaca High School.
Having been raised on a farm, he never lost his love for this life, so he returned to farm full time with his grandfather Keith Kellogg. Later farming with his son and later still with his grandson. While he always loved a beautiful crop, his biggest source of agricultural pride would come from feeding out beef cattle. In 2018 the farm was recognized as the Gratiot Farm Family of the Year. He took great pride and was also humbled by this selection.
He liked country life, working with crops and cattle. He enjoyed living where the grass was green and the crops could grow lush. He liked old time country music, solving math problems, Sodokus, playing cards, and games of chance. He enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Lions.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Delbert. He is survived by his brothers, James (Michelle) of Livingston, Montana and Thomas (Virginia) Strong of Ithaca. He is also survived by his sons, Keith (Janet) of Ithaca, Mark (JoLynn) of Ithaca, Virl (Denise) of Carsonville, and Brian of Ithaca. He is also survived by good friend Mollie Vaughn of Alma. Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews also survive Robert.
Funeral services for Robert Strong will be at 11am, Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Visitation will be held 2-4pm and 6-8pm Friday, January 6, 2023 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.
The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.bardenfuneralhome.com