STRAMA, Michael J., Jr., 80, of Martins Ferry, OH, died Saturday, July 7, 2012, at his residence.
He was born March 12, 1932 in Rayland, OH, a son of the late Michael J. Strama, Sr. and Josephine M. (Journee) Strama.
He was a retired Maintenance Foreman for the Yorkville Plant of Wheeling- Pittsburgh Steel. He also worked for Nickles Bakery, Martins Ferry School System and Lesco, Inc. In 1966 he founded Strama's Excavating where he worked with his son until his death.
Mike loved airplanes and learned to fly as a teenager at Scott Field north of Martins Ferry. He shared his passion for aviation with his daughter by helping her acquire a private pilot's license. He was a remarkable man who valued his family, aviation and hard work. Mike attended the First Christian Church and was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 38 and the former VFW Post 3613 all of Martins Ferry. He was also a member of the Aircraft Owner's & Pilot's Assoc. and the Experimental Aircraft Assoc. Michael was a veteran of the U.S. Army Korean War & a recipient of a Bronze Star.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jeannie M. (Henceroth) Strama and a brother, Robert C. Strama.
Surviving are his son, Michael (Lisa) Strama, III of Martins Ferry, his daughter, Jo Ann (Gary R.) Gould of Wheeling, and his brother, Victor J. (Emma) Strama of Woodstock, Conn.
Friends will be received Wednesday 1-3 and 5-8 p.m. at the Heslop Funeral Home, 415 Walnut St., Martins Ferry where services will be held Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 1 p.m. with Minister Rod Kasler officiating. Burial follows in Holly Memorial Gardens, Pleasant Grove, OH.
Military honors will be held at the funeral home at 12:45 p.m. prior to services by the VFW Belmont County Honor Guard.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.heslop.com.
