Joseph Francis Stranges III

He was born June 21, 1951, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Joseph F. Stranges, Jr. and Mary (Kaczmarek) Stranges, he was the oldest of their four sons, which drove his desire to be first in all that he did.

Joe graduated from St. Francis DeSales High School in 1969 and attended The Ohio State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1972. He spent his entire professional career in the field of Information Technology.

Joe was a long-time member of St. Paul’s parish, where all five of his children “graduated.”

He was proud to be a trusted and sought-after referee for the Diocese of Columbus and OHSAA sponsored events and he was a motivational and inspiring coach to many over the years. He was refereeing high school soccer tournament games as recently as October 2025. But many will recall his time in the press box announcing high school games and his legendary roar when a goal was scored. Joe was passionate about the role that he played in helping young athletes.

Joe took pleasure in carrying on his parents’ tradition of tailgating at OSU football games and continuing his mother’s tradition of cooking dinner for family and friends. He loved to travel, play sports, and dominate any game he played, especially cornhole and bocce. He cherished his beach vacations with his family as well as hanging out at the pool with family and friends. He was the life of every party, and the laughter he brought to all through joking, singing and dancing could not be matched.

At the end of the day, Joe always enjoyed winding down with a “cold” beer, good music, and great company.

In every role he took on, Joe built lasting relationships as both a mentor and a true friend—but his favorite role was being Grandpa. His grandchildren felt his love in everything he did, and they will miss him deeply. They’ll especially miss looking to the sidelines at their events, knowing that “Papaw Joe” or “Pop-Pop” would have been there cheering them on.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 53 years, Julie (Lytus) Stranges; son, Joseph (Joey) Stranges, IV; daughter, Jodie (Nathan) Mensel; son, Joshua Stranges; daughter, Jillian (Randy) Monahan; and daughter, Jenna (Kerry) Mock; grandchildren: Rylee, Mackenzie and Reese Mensel; Trey, Bailey and Beckham Stranges; Brady and Landon Monahan; and Camden and Sophia Mock; siblings, Vincent (Joan) Stranges, Christopher Stranges, and Matthew (Paula) Stranges; nieces and nephews: Ryan (Sasha) Lytus, Christina (Derek) Foust, Stephanie (RJ) Swindaman, Meredith (Jon) Slania, Gabrielle (Ryan) Clark, Olivia (Jerry) Silvera and Anthony (Jackie) Stranges; many extended relatives and close friends, including his lifelong best friend, Bill Wilson.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Stranges, his father and mother-in-law, Wasyl and Pelagia Lytus, and his brother and sister-in-law, Pete and Linda Lytus.

Joe was a dedicated fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Columbus Crew. Please join us in celebrating Joe’s life by wearing your favorite OSU attire in lieu of traditional funeral attire. (Scarlet and gray are encouraged).

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, Ohio 43017. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle, 313 N. State St., Westerville, Ohio 43082. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 9571 N High St, Lewis Center, OH 43035.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Joseph F. and Mary Stranges Scholarship Fund at The Ohio State University Foundation (Advancement Office, 1179 University Drive, Newark OH 43055).