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Obituary
Michael George Strasser, age 77, went home to be with the Lord on September 25th, 2026 – most likely with a good story ready to tell when he got there.
He was born on June 4th, 1949, and was raised in Ecorse, MI, a son of the late George and Victoria Strasser.
Mike was extremely proud of his military service and considered it one of the greatest honors of his life to serve his country. He was a decorated military combat veteran in the United States Army serving in the Vietnam War. In addition to receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for Valor, Mike was also a member of the 101st Airborne Division, the Screaming Eagles. He remained devoted to his fellow veterans throughout his life as a proud member of the VFW and Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA).
Upon his return home, he settled in Brownstown, MI with his wife Darlene where he began his law enforcement career with the Wayne County Sheriff Department in 1976. While at Wayne County, he was involved in undercover operations at Detroit Metro Airport. In 1982 he accepted a position with the Brownstown Police Department where he served as a Police Officer until his retirement in 1993. During his tenure as a Police Officer, Mike also was a member of the Downriver Dive Team.
After retirement, he joined the Freemasons and achieved the highest rank of the Trenton Chapter.
But of all his titles and accomplishments -soldier, veteran, police officer, Mason-his favorites were husband, Dad, Papa and Great-Grandpa.
Mike married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Darlene, on March 16th, 1968. Together they were blessed with 4 beautiful daughters– better known to Mike simply as “My Girls”. And with a wife, four daughters, granddaughters, and great granddaughters, Mike learned early on that being the man of the house didn’t necessarily mean he was in charge. Spending time with his family was where Mike was happiest! Summertime BBQ’s, Oldies on the radio, stories of his old Ecorse days and Mike reminding everyone that he was still better than them at cornhole.
He also loved playing cards-especially when your money ended up in his pocket. And if there was a pool table nearby, you could go ahead and play him, but you probably shouldn’t get too attached to your money there either.
Mike loved the outdoors! Fishing, hunting, taking care of his gardens and putzing in his garage. He enjoyed woodworking and could make just about anything you asked for or needed.
His garage was his domain, his garden was his pride, and a good day usually involved being outside, working with his hands, listening to his Oldies, and having his family nearby.
Mike is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Darlene, and their four daughters, Shannon (Brian) Labo, Shelly (Scott) Fraczek, Wendi (Brian) Russeau, Michaeleen (Mike) Robertson. He was the proud Papa of nine; Samantha (Mike) Carter, Cody (Melissa) Labo, Lucas Fraczek, Lilli Fraczek, Michael (Amber) Russeau, Emma Russeau, Aiden Robertson, Brady Robertson, Quinn Robertson. He was also blessed with ten Great Grandchildren, Greyson, Cole, Jaxon, Finn, Remy, Avery, Emmett, River, Rosie and Beau.
In other words, family gatherings were not small quiet affairs! Mike wouldn’t have wanted them any other way!
He is also survived by his Sister-in-law Gail (Alan) Hibsky, brother-in-law Terry (Darlene) Patton his sister Rebecca (Bill) Terroy, brother Tim Strasser; and his many nieces and nephews.
Mike lived a full life. He served his country with courage, protected his community, worked hard, laughed often, loved deeply and built a family that meant absolutely everything to him. Mike survived Vietnam, worked undercover, served in law enforcement and raised four daughters – we’ll let everyone decide which required the most bravery.
His family will miss the stories, the teasing, the card games, the pool games, the cornhole victories he probably exaggerated, and seeing him putzing around in his garage. But most of all, we will miss Mike-husband, Dad, Papa, Great-Grandpa, brother, uncle, friend and the proud patriarch of a very large family that will be telling his stories for generations to come.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 30th 2pm-8pm at Michigan Memorial Funeral Home 30895 W Huron River Dr, Flat Rock MI 48134. Funeral services will be held on Thursday October 1st at 11am at Michigan Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Michigan Memorial Cemetery in Flat Rock MI.
