Kenneth Wayne Strope, of Niles
Aug. 28, 1952-April 28, 2017
Niles Daily Star, Published 10:17 am Monday, May 1, 2017
Kenneth Wayne Strope, 64, of Niles, died following a brief illness at 1:39 a.m. Friday, April 28, 2017, with his wife at his bedside at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana.
He was born Aug. 28, 1952, in Chicago, to Willard Henry and Florence Marie (Pugesek) Strope.
He graduated from New Prairie High School in New Carlisle, Indiana, and has lived in Niles most of his life. He retired from A.M. General in Mishawaka, Indiana, where he worked for 31 years producing the military HMMWV “Humvee.”
Ken was an avid fan of the University of Notre Dame football team, attending every home game, several away games, and one national championship. He also enjoyed fishing in local lakes and rivers. But his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends, amongst whom he was commonly known as “Fat Boy.” He was always proud and honored to be building vehicles to assist those who are serving in the military.
On Nov. 15, 1986, in Niles, he married the former Shelley Shaler, with whom he celebrated last November the 30th anniversary of their wedding.
Surviving family includes his wife, Shelley Shaler Strope; his brother, James (Michelle) Strope of Cape Coral, Florida; sisters Carol (Tony) Garcia of Glendale, Arizona, and Josie Emry of Galien; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his siblings, Joan Stankiewicz, Jack Strope, Charlotte Fraid, Rose Bellegante and Betty Hicks.
The family and friends of Ken Strope will gather to honor his life and share memories at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2017, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles 2094, 24 Sycamore St., Niles. Interment will be private in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.
Contributions in memory of Ken may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Ste. 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256, or to the Niles Veterans Memorial, c/o City Hall, 333 N. Second St., Niles, MI 49120.
Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles. halbritterfunerals.com