Robert S. Strain

Robert Stanley Strain of Arlington, Virginia died peacefully at home of myelodysplastic syndrome on August 24, 2015, stepping into God’s presence. Bob was 82 years old, born August 8, 1933 in Castlewood, South Dakota, the only child of Leo and Marvel Strain.

Bob attended Baldwin High School in Baldwin, Wisconsin where he played trumpet in the school band and also played both basketball and football. He was a lefty at birth but became ambidextrous as the result of teachers and coaches forcing him to use his right as his dominant hand. He went on to college at Wisconsin State University at River Falls where he majored in Education, played trumpet in the jazz band and successfully was elected Homecoming Chairman on the slogan “Bob for the Job”. He was an outdoorsman and loved riding horses, cruising motorboats and driving in a convertible.

After graduation from Wisconsin State University in 1955, Bob was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and served on active duty from 1955 to 1958 including a tour in the Far East with the 3rd Marine Division attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. Bob loved being a Marine and travelling the world, but he left active duty after being called by God to leave the Marine Corp and pursue a career as a pastor. He returned to Wisconsin and married Bernice Marilyn Geurkink also of Baldwin. In 1960, he graduated from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, was ordained as a Christian Reformed minister. He pastored the First Reformed Church in Muskegon, Michigan before moving to the Washington D.C. area to broaden his ministerial horizons.

From 1966 to 1977, Bob joined his friend, the late Dr. Richard C. Halverson, on the ministerial staff of Fourth Presbyterian Church, Bethesda, Maryland, as Associate Pastor where he established many life-long friendships. As Associate Pastor, he met and mentored many single young adults in the Ambassadors group, leading to his officiating at numerous weddings. From 1977 to 1982, he was senior pastor of Western Presbyterian Church, in downtown Washington, D.C.

During the seventies, Bob became familiar with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a frequent speaker at FCA summer conferences and as guest chaplain for sports teams. Bob grew up in Wisconsin as a Green Bay Packers fan and was thrilled when Vince Lombardi was brought to DC to coach the Redskins in 1969 and became a loyal fan. He was honored to be chaplain for the Washington Redskins during the early 80s during the tenure of Coach Joe Gibbs. He enjoyed immensely the opportunity to get to know on a deeper level some of the all-time Redskin greats like Darryl Green, Mark Moseley, Art Monk, and Joe Washington.

Beginning with his arrival in Washington D.C., he also became associated with the world-wide informal fellowship of friends affiliated with the prayer breakfast movement, a connection and ministry focus which continued for the rest of his life. Bob moved his family to California in 1981 at the request of these friends to build a greater connection between like-minded believers in California with his network of friends on the East Coast. Bob spent 5 years on the Monterey Peninsula of California before returning to Arlington, Virginia where he resided for the last 29 years.

Bob and his wife Bernie have many connections and friends throughout the world and they have traveled frequently over the years, also living for extended periods in Salem, Oregon; Carmel, California; Cape Town, South Africa; Bonn, Germany; Minsk, Belarus; and Kabul, Afghanistan. These travels were created by ministry opportunities for Bob speaking and teaching at both large and small gatherings and through quiet, personal interactions.

Bob considered himself an apprentice of Jesus Christ, believing that the Kingdom of God is right here, right now and that men and women following Jesus can directly impact the world through the power of the Holy Spirit, which he often implored others to believe and to act on. To many, Bob generously gave extended time and attention while meeting “around the kitchen table,” frequently leading to personal and confidential counsel, encouraging words, healing prayer, and hope. Many consider him a trusted confidant, a man of wisdom, and a good friend. He will be sorely missed.

Bob is survived by his wife and beloved companion of 53 years, Bernice Strain, son Jonathan Strain and wife Patty of Montclair, New Jersey; son Daniel Strain and wife Valerie of Nashville, Tennessee; daughter Mary Siptroth and husband Jerry of Esko, Minnesota; and five grandchildren: Jack, Joe, and Rob Strain; and Elly and Jake Siptroth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite charity. A Memorial Service will be held at The Falls Church Episcopal in Falls Church Virginia on August 31, 2015 at 11 am. Per his wishes, Bob will be interred at Quantico National Cemetery along with other veterans of the Armed Forces. Semper Fi.