Henry D Stringham

Our beloved father and grandfather returned to his heavenly home to joyfully reunite with his dear wife Mabel on Sunday July 16, 2017. Born in Draper, UT on September 25, 1925 to Ralph Hammond Stringham and Lucile Vera Dunyon Stringham. Henry had two older brothers he admired and one younger sister who was his best friend throughout life.

Henry grew up in Keetley, Utah where he and his brothers spent countless hours hunting, fishing, hiking, and skiing. He was adventurous, friendly, generous, patient, and kind to all. Known to childhood friends as Dee Stringham, Henry attended Wasatch High School in Heber City, Utah where he was voted Most Popular Man, King of the Dance, and Senior Class President. He was well liked by all of his peers for his jovial disposition and witty sense of humor.

In 1943, at only 18 years of age, Henry dutifully joined the U.S. Air Force to serve in WWII. He was appointed to the position of radar operator on a B29 aircraft based on Tinian in the South Pacific, and he and his crew successfully completed 34 missions. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service, making him a noted war hero.

Upon returning home from the war, Henry attended the University of Utah until he received a call to serve a three-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Brazil. Following his mission, Henry joined the choir at the university institute where he met the love of his life, Mabel Eldredge. He courageously asked her to the Golden Green Ball, and they quickly fell in love. They were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City temple on August 28, 1951. They began growing their family and transformed a quiet house into a noisy and lively home of eight girls and two boys. Henry loved being a husband and father, and believed his greatest accomplishment in life was marrying his Mabel. Mabel always referred to her dear husband as “the best man on the block,” and Henry frequently and publicly expressed his love for her. They inspired all that knew them by their enduring love for each other.

Professionally, Henry was driven by a strong desire to provide for his family. He worked tirelessly to grow the family business, Stringham Lumber Company, where he earned a reputation for his work ethic, honesty, and love of people.

Henry encouraged his family to become fully engaged in their faith in Jesus Christ. He frequently preached the importance of following “the plan,” quoted his favorite scripture “O be wise; what can I say more” (Jacob 6:12), and often requested the family sing his favorite hymn Have I Done Any Good in the World Today. He taught the importance of love and service through example. His church membership and heritage was extremely important to him, and he served diligently in many capacities within the church. While in his early thirties he was called to serve as bishop in a South Salt Lake ward—an experience that greatly shaped his life. He also served as a scout leader, temple ordinance worker, and as a dedicated home teacher. He served a second full-time mission with his wife in the Columbia, South Carolina Mission. They also served together as tour guides on Temple Square, and later as service missionaries at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. His favorite calling was church greeter. He loved God first and foremost, followed by a deep love for his wife, children, and country.

Henry is survived by his dear sister Martha Wankier, children Thom Stringham (Kim), Julie Nelson (David), Dave Stringham (Marilee), Mary Barnes (David), Patricia Manwaring (Jed), Jane Owen (Steve), Rosie Nielsen (Brad), Joy Sanders (Eric), Colleen Gygi (Tad), Heidi Ragland (Chad), 42 grandchildren and 58 great grandchildren. He joins his beloved wife, parents, brothers Ralph and Jack, granddaughter Brooke, and great granddaughter Annie. He is deeply missed by his family, neighbors, and friends.

The funeral service will be Saturday July 22, 2017 11:00 am at Olympus 1st Ward, 4100 South Camille Street Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held on Friday July 21 from 6-8 pm at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary 3401 South Highland Drive, and Saturday 9:00 am prior to the funeral service.