Thomas P. Stretlien, Died July 1, 2018

Thomas P. Stretlien

Died July 1, 2018

Lake Leelanau – Thomas Peter Stretlien, 86, of Lake Leelanau passed away July 1, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family after a several year battle with lung and esophageal cancer.

Thomas was born March 15, 1932 in Detroit, the son of Ole and Julie (Hongseth) Stretlien.  On August 2, 1952, he married Lois A. Fiedler, who survives.

Tom served in the US Navy from May 1953 to May 1955.  He began his working life at General Motors in 1955 as an Apprentice Wood Model Maker and earned his Journeyman certification.  He was an active UAW member and in 1967 joined the staff of the UAW as an International Representative specializing in benefit plans.  He retired from the UAW and GM in 1982.

After many years of living in Royal Oak, Tom and Lois realized a lifelong dream in 1992 and made a permanent move to their cottage in Lake Leelanau.  The ensuing years were the happiest of their lives.  They gradually improved the cottage, adding a master bedroom suite, a dining room and a sewing room for Lois’ quilting projects.

Tom became an active, valued member of his community by becoming involved with the Sons of Norway and his church.  In particular, he became very involved with golf, acting as the leader of the senior golf league at Matheson Green and then Bahle Farms.  It was on the golf course where Tom formed some of his most lasting and meaningful friendships with good men including “the General”, Ivan and his golf partner Bernie.  His sons Tom, Mike and Mark also enjoyed many outings with their father and his golf buddies on the senior league.

Tom was an avid investigator of his Norwegian heritage and established connections with the Stretlien clan in Norway that last to this day.  These connections resulted in a wonderful trip to Folldal in 1989 and several visits by Norwegian relatives to the Leelanau peninsula including a visit from his cousins Vivian and Marian in the last few weeks.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife of sixty-five years, Lois Stretlien; his children, Thomas (Ellen) Stretlien, Mark Stretlien, and Michael Stretlien; his brother, John (Janet) Stretlien; nephew Chris, niece Janette and many special friends and family in Folldal, Norway, Lake Leelanau and Royal Oak, MI.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Ole and Julie (Hongseth) Stretlien, and his brother, Alan Stretlien.

Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay on Friday, July 6.   The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Suttons Bay Congregational Church on Saturday, July 7 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m.  A luncheon at the church will follow.  Burial in Glen Eden Cemetery, Livonia will be held at a later date.  Reverend Dr. Robin Carden will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Suttons Bay Congregational Church, PO Box 70, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or Munson Hospital’s Cowell Family Cancer Center, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684

  

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