Mike Strange

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John “Mike” Michael Strange, a beloved husband, father, and friend, who left us peacefully after a year-long battle with a rare t-cell lymphoma on November 3, 2023, at the age of 58.

Mike was a Texas native whose life journey, shaped by the travels of a military family, had its roots in East Tennessee. A swimming scholarship led him to Eastern Kentucky University where he met Lorie Barker in computer science classes. Friends from the start led to marriage on April 18, 1987. Together, they embarked on a 36-year-long marriage, blessed with the joys and adventures of raising their children, serving at church in all age groups, but landing on youth for years, and a career change at 38. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Carol and Bill Strange; their daughter Savannah Lou Strange; and his loyal canine companions, Rudy and Hank. His love for life is carried forward by his surviving family, his loving wife Lorie; his children Joshua Strange, Samantha Strange, and Suzannah and Alex Bush; his sister Beth (Tim) Green; and extended family whom he loved dearly including his in-law family; nephews, nieces and their spouses; great-nephews and great-nieces; and his cherished dog, Gracie.

Mike graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. His entrepreneurial spirit led him over the years to create a successful consulting business before he turned his talents to real estate, which Mike and Lorie enjoyed together for the last 20 years – working side by side every day. It has been almost 20 years exactly since Mike took a leap of faith and walked out the door of his own consulting firm and started his real estate classes without knowing what would happen. When he made his last leap of faith on Friday from this life to the next, please know that there was NO uncertainty. Mike loved Jesus and gave his life to Him during his college years and never looked back. His last verbal prayer was unsolicited and was “Dear God, thank you for being in control, Amen.” His life was one of service, not only to his family and clients but to his community, particularly within the church. His unwavering dedication to the youth program at Dublin Baptist Church reflected his passion for guiding young lives. In the last three years, the family has been attending Rock City Church in Hilliard and have been blessed by their care and love during this time as well. Both churches have lifted him up during this past year.

If you knew Mike, you know he loved spending time with his family and friends, helping all of his kids (who followed his entrepreneurial spirit) and of course, talking about cars! His faith was the cornerstone of his existence, and he lived to inspire and uplift those around him. If you want to honor his memory: depend on God, love your spouse, call your parents, hug and encourage your children, go out to eat with friends, meet your neighbors, and dream big dreams.

As we prepare to bid him farewell, we will have a visitation from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, OH 43017. A brief eulogy will be delivered by Jeremiah Camarata around 4:30 p.m. In honor of Mike’s legacy the family requests that contributions be made to The Central Ohio Ronald McDonald House Charities, (https://rmhc-centralohio.org/give/), the James Cancer Hospital, (https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/313545), Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, (https://www.lls.org/ohio) and continue to support his favorite businesses run by his children Joshua (https://grubbux.com/), Samantha (https://www.thecheesecakegirl.com/) and Suzannah and Alex (https://physiquedevelopment.com/). Mike never tired of helping or talking through ideas and obstacles with his kids for their businesses.

Mike’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and faith. His departure leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. His favorite Bible verse was a constant help during the last year… Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Schoedinger.com for the Strange family.