Clyde L. Strasler

He was born in Manistique on June 7, 1930, the son of Lawrence and Dorthea (Arrowood) Strasler. He attended Manistique Area Schools, graduating with the class of 1948. He excelled in football and baseball during high school. Clyde started his working career delivering papers and working at Nelsons Creamery. He went on to work in the summer at Blaney Park before graduation. After graduation he attended the University of Michigan. Clyde began his career at State Savings Bank in Manistique in 1949, before joining the United States Army, stationed in New Ulm Germany from 1951-1953. On November 24, 1956, Clyde married the love of his life, Sally Joyce Carlstrom, at the First Baptist Church of Manistique.

Upon returning home from the Army, Clyde took a position at the State Savings Bank in Manistique, an institution he served for nearly the next 70 years. Clyde graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Banking. In January of 1956, he began as an Assistant Cashier, and he was promoted to the position of Cashier in 1961. In 1965, Clyde was again promoted to Cashier, and Vice President.

Just 4 years later, he was promoted to Executive Vice President and Cashier, and in 1971, he became President of the Bank, after having been elected to the Board of Directors in 1968. Clyde remained President of State Savings Bank until his “first” retirement in January of 2001.

Clyde maintained an office at the bank for another 20 years, transitioning from “semi-retirement” to “full retirement” at the end of 2020. During Clyde’s time at the bank, he served in many roles both in the banking industry and in the community. He served as a Trustee of the Michigan Bankers Association, Trustee and Treasurer of the Michigan Community Bankers Association, Chairman of the Upper Peninsula Bankers Association, and as a member of the Advisory Board at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.

He was also passionate about his service to the community, where he served as a member of the Schoolcraft Building Authority, the Manistique Planning Commission, and served on the Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Board since June of 1990. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church. He also served on the Regional Advisory Committee of Marquette General Hospital (UP Health Systems). He was a member of the Manistique VFW Post 4420, the Manistique Elks Lodge 632, and the Manistique Rotary club. Clyde was also a member of Lakeside Lodge #371 Free and Accepted Masons, as well as the Ahmed Temple of Marquette.

Clyde enjoyed life outside of the bank, cheering for his beloved Green Bay Packers. He was an avid golfer at the Indian Lake Golf Club for many years and was a member of the Smith Creek Hunting Club.

Clyde was a skilled bridge player, enjoyed gardening, and celebrating all the seasonal holidays throughout the year. He and Sally summered at their cottage on Indian Lake, spending time with friends and family. He had a special fondness for dogs and children, especially Ivy.

Clyde is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sally Strasler of Manistique, son; David Strasler of Manistique, dear close friend and neighbor; Mary Louisa Reese, of Manistique, sister-in-law; Ann “Sue” Strasler, nieces and nephews; Debbie (Bob) Sucaet, Dale Strasler, Sally (Gary) Billotti, David (Judy) Grabowski, and their daughter; Kara, and Susan (Tom) Miller, along with many close friends and associates.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother; Howard Strasler, and sister; Gladys Grabowski.

A private memorial service will be held on Saturday April 10, 2021, at 1:00 PM, at the First Baptist Church of Manistique, with the Rev. Dr. Jay Martin officiating.

Graveside services will be open to the public, and will take place following the memorial service, at 2:00 PM at the Lakeview Cemetery in Manistique. Memorial contributions in Clyde’s name may be directed to the First Baptist Church Memorial fund, the Manistique Area School’s Scholarship Foundation, or the Indian Lake Golf and Country Club Foundation. Fausett Family Funeral Homes of Manistique is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at their website at fausettfh.com