Douglas Rupert Strait

Mason MI - Douglas R. Strait, 89, passed away on November 8, 2019 at Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte MI from complications of Parkinsons Disease. Douglas was born March 8, 1930 in Lansing MI to Harry A. and Mabel A. (Dyer) Strait. Douglas graduated from Sexton High School in 1948. He married Sonja Torstenson on October 11, 1950.

Douglas served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955 as a special investigator. Douglas and Sonja moved to Mason after his discharge from service. He completed his BA degree from Michigan State University in 1976 while working for General Motors. He retired with over 30 years of service in 1988.

Douglas began volunteering with Capital Area Interfaith Respite (CAIR) in 1992 sitting with clients to give their caregivers a break. CAIR recognized him for over 10 years of volunteer service. Douglas also delivered meals on wheels for several years. In retirement, he took up golf and played until he was in his late 70’s. Douglas was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Mason for over 50 years and sang in the church choir for many years. Douglas greatly enjoyed listening to music and his radio was on WKAR all day. He looked forward to the live music by volunteer piano player Charlotte at ECPC and the harp music by Sparrow Hospice Music Therapist Rachael.

Douglas is survived by daughter, Deborah Strait of Mason, daughter and son-in-law Janice and Dave Croswhite of Holt, son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Robin Strait of Sunbury OH, grandson, Bradley Strait of Reno NV, granddaughter, Annika Croswhite of East Lansing, sister, Kathryn West of Ann Arbor and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his wife Sonja (1989), his parents, his brothers Maurice, Burton and Wendell, his sister Marion McDowell, and his special friend of 29 years Maureen Sander (2019).

Cremation has occurred. Visitation will be at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home 621 S. Jefferson St. Mason MI from 4-6 PM on Friday November 22, 2019. A memorial service will be at the First United Methodist Church 201 E. Ash St. Mason MI at 11 AM on Saturday November 23, 2019 with visitation 1 hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the First United Methodist Church 201 E. Ash St. Mason, MI 48854 or the charity of your choice.

We would like to thank the caregivers from Sparrow Hospice and Eaton Community Palliative Care for the wonderful care they provided Douglas.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, Ball Dunn Chapel. Visit www.grbdmason.com to leave your condolences.