Ignatius "Joe" Strach

Mr. Ignatius Joseph "Joe" Strach, age 80, passed away Saturday, October 6, 2007 at McAuley Nursing Home. He was born April 1, 1927 in Muskegon to Ignatius and Agnes (Janasz) Strach and lived his entire life in the area. Joe was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy, served during W.W.II, and belonged to the Catholic War Veterans. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a truck driver and automotive transportation specialist for Universal Cam Shaft, Muskegon Motor Specialty and Reid Tool Supply. Joe was an avid golfer and baseball player for the Polish Falcons in his younger years. On August 4, 1951, he married the former Virginia "Jean" R. Tutak in Muskegon and she survives him. Joe was a member of St. Francis deSales Catholic Church and was a former member of the Muskegon Elks Lodge. Along with his wife, Jean, he is SURVIVED by 3 daughters, Deborah (Robert) Skiba of Muskegon, Margery Jenican (Howard Brief, friend) of Laguna Niguel, CA, Janet (Kerry) Sitar of Grand Rapids; 6 grandchildren, Kristy (Aron) Rogalla, Chad (Becky) Skiba, Rachel Skiba, Ryan Skiba (Stacy Bronsema, friend), Evan Sitar, Erik Sitar; 1 great granddaughter, Jennah; 3 brothers, John Strach, Mike (Ethel) Strach, and Frank (Dorothy) Strach all of Muskegon; sister-in-law, Virginia Strach of Roosevelt Park; and several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to caregivers, Cindy, Meredith, Amber, Terri, Butch, and nursing home staff. He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers, Stanley, Edward and Walter. THE FUNERAL LITURGY will be celebrated 11 AM Friday at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Julian Reginato presiding. INTERMENT will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery. VISITATION with Joe's family will be 2-4 & 6-8 PM Thursday at The Walburn Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. (231) 759-8565 The Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 PM. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be directed to The Humane Society & Animal Rescue of Muskegon County or Hackley VNS and Hospice, Inc.