Robert F. Strine

Robert F. Strine, 93 of Dowagiac, MI passed away Friday, February 10, 2017 at Pine Ridge Nursing Center in Stevensville.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Pastor Marlo Fritzke officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Monday, February 13, 2017 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home. Those wishing to share a memory of Robert online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com  Robert was born March 31, 1923 in Benton Harbor, MI to Willard & Ervella (Duering) Strine. He was a graduate of Coloma High School. Robert served his country in the United States Navy during WWII from 1943 until 1945. From 1956 to 1957, he served in the Army National Guard. Robert worked as Deputy Sherriff of Cass County from 1957 until 1960, then went on to work for Sundstrand Corporation as a security guard from 1960 until 1990. In his spare time he taught himself to play the keyboard, piano and organ. He also enjoyed singing, reading and attending St. Joseph football games.  Robert is survived by his children Daniel (Penny) Strine, Lynda Strine, John Strine, Evelyn (Barry) Will, and Bill (Jeanne) Strine; 11 grandchildren Trisha (Nick) Leh, Kristi (Dave) DeVore, Melaney (Josh) Amidon, John E. Strine, Jason (Jessica) Crockett, Kevin Strine, Steve (Sarah Rahman) Strine, Carrielynn (Brennan) Ball, Keith Strine, Julie (Justin) Price and Stephanie Will; 23 great grandchildren; and nephews Andy Zilke and Kenny Zilke. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lucille, daughter Ruth Strine and sister Evelyn Zilke.