William Edward Strodel III

William Edward Strodel, III, MD, born September 16, 1947, died September 26, 2019 following a long illness. He is preceded in death by his parents, Margaret & William Edward Strodel, Jr, and his two sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley & James Post and JoAnn & Richard Rhea. Bill leaves behind his adoring wife, Melanie Strodel, and six children and their families: Amy Chamberlain, Matthew Strodel & Morgan DeLeonard, Matthew & Heather Strozeski, Joshua & Meghan Strozeski, William & Rachel Strodel, and Forrest & Sneha Strodel; plus eight grandchildren: Evan, Lily & Noah Chamberlain, Isabella, Henry & Theodore Strozeski, and Maya & Nicolas Strozeski. William Edward Strodel, III, started life in Sturgis, Michigan where his parents owned a ladies dress shop, Elaine's. Bill spent his childhood there, graduating as the 1965 Valedictorian of Sturgis High School. Bill went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Asian Studies in 1969 from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He continued his education at the University of Michigan Medical School, receiving his MD in 1973. Following five years of residency in the Department of Surgery's Division of General Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical Center (UMMC), Dr. Strodel began his academic attending career at UMMC, where he earned tenure as an Associate Professor of Surgery. Dr. Strodel moved on to a leadership position as Professor and Chief of General Surgery at the University of Kentucky in 1987. Under his guidance, the University introduced its Transplant Surgery Division and initiated many other programs. Dr. Strodel, along with his colleagues, performed the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the University of Kentucky. In 1996, Dr. Strodel accepted a position as Chairman of Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. Among many accomplishments, he developed a highly successful 24-hour laparoscopic cholecystectomy protocol and morbid obesity surgery program, as well as a dedicated research program. In 2002, Dr. Strodel accepted the position of Director and Chairman of Surgical Services at Geisinger Medical Clinics in Danville, Pennsylvania, where he developed numerous programs and oversaw many changes and advances in surgical practice. Dr. Strodel stepped down from the Chair position in 2012, but continued to operate and teach until his retirement in 2018. During the course of his 40+ year career, Dr. Strodel touched many lives. He personally performed over 10,000 operations, set up numerous programs, and trained over 400 young surgeons. He always led by example and was immensely respected as a physician, surgeon, and leader. In his personal life, Bill always loved his Michigan Wolverines, up or down. He enjoyed travel, especially trips abroad. He completed his daily crossword puzzle, read the Washington Post and New York Times regularly, and always checked the Ann Arbor News. He was a true lover of fine wine and fine dining. He enjoyed outdoor sports including hunting, fishing, and sporting clays. He lived life with absolute gusto. Most of all, Bill loved his family and was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed immensely. Memorial Services to be held at Muehlig Funeral Chapel at 403 S 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor MI 48104 on Friday, October 4, 2019 with the Memorial Gathering at 10:00AM and Memorial Service at 11:00AM. Refreshments served immediately following. If considering a memorial contribution, please direct to the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. A Celebration of Life honoring Dr. Strodel will be held at The Pine Barn Inn in Danville, Pennsylvania on Sunday, November 17, 2019 from 12PM-4PM. Details to be determined.