Richard Wilson Strehl
January 17, 1947 ~ September 29, 2025
Richard Wilson Strehl, affectionately known as “Ric, Dad or Papa,” of Bell, Florida, passed away
on September 29, 2025, at the age of 78. He was born in Highland Park, Michigan, to the late
Raymond and Rosemarie Strehl. Ric grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, and graduated from Buena
Vista High School.
In 1966, Ric married the love of his life, Dorothy Jean (Nowak) Strehl, and together they
shared nearly 60 years of marriage filled with love, family, and devotion. They raised two
children, Dawn Strehl and Richard Strehl Jr., and the family grew to include Richard’s wife,
Jen Strehl, and their son-in-law, Rob Hall, along with grandchildren Kristina, Robert,
Cheyenne, and Richard Strehl III (“Ricky”), and great-grandchildren Lucas, Leland, and
Leighla. He is also survived by his brother, Ronald Strehl, and his sister, Robin Farnell.
Ric began his career in public service as a sheriff’s deputy before working as a truck driver,
mechanic, and entrepreneur in the coin-operated games business. A proud Eagle Scout and
Master Counselor of DeMolay, he carried the values of hard work, integrity, and service
throughout his life.
His true passions were found at home and in the community: in his garage working on cars,
driving his Bobcat, welding, around the kitchen table, and sitting in his favorite chair at camp.
Ric had a love for animals and treated his pets and farm animals with the same big-hearted care
he gave to family and friends. Known for his humor and his efforts to make others laugh, his
famous check-in line was, “What’s the deal?”
Ric was a Christian and a man whose love for family guided his life. He will be remembered for
his hardworking spirit, his humor, and his devotion to those he loved.
He will be cremated, and no formal service is planned at this time.
“Well done, good and faithful servant. Loved deeply, remembered always.”
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Strehl Family.
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Dad,
I’m so proud of you — proud of how you fought the good fight in life right up to the very end. You taught me what it means to be a man: to be honest, to work hard, to have fun, and to always be good to others. You showed me how to bend over backwards to help people, and that kindness leaves a legacy no one can measure.
I’ll never forget the memories we made — from the three-wheelers you got for the whole family, to the airboat rides, scuba diving adventures, and that unforgettable camping trip down at Boyd’s Key West Campground. I’ll always cherish our days at Brandon 76, learning side by side as you taught me how to work with my hands and fix anything that came our way. You gave me the gift of mechanical skill — especially welding, which I’ll pass down to my own son, your grandson, Richard Wilson Strehl III, using your welder. That connection means the world to me.
Some of my favorite memories, though, are the most recent — when you’d come over to our camp for dinner, or maybe just to share a Diet Coke. Whether we were cutting down a tree together or digging up wiring trying to find where the problem was, I’ll always be grateful for those moments. I’ve ordered a plaque for your favorite chair at our camp. You’ll always have a special place there — and in our hearts — on that piece of property.
You were such a joy to be around, and no one could ever deny the size of your heart or how much you cared for others. I’m comforted knowing you found Jesus, and I have peace in knowing I’ll see you again one day.
I’m proud of you, Dad. I’m proud of everything you accomplished and everything you stood for. I’ll take it from here — and until we meet again, I love you.
Your son,
Richie (Richard W. Strehl, Jr.)
With Love Always!
Dorthy, Dawn, Richie and all the family, we are thinking of you. I enjoyed the times talking with Ric about his projects in the garage or about the day in the woods around the camp fire.
Sending love.
Dorothy and family,
Ric was a special guy, a classmate and neighborhood friend for life.
We missed his presence at the class reunion so very much .
He will remain in our greatest memories always. Sending you love and strength to move forward in your lives.
Take care of each other
Dianne ( Young ) Shappee -Roggow
I had the pleasure making acquaintance with Rich and Ronald in my early years working for EMS (emergency medical services) back in the 80s. We didn’t have substations then and often parked next to his station in Brandon and enjoyed hearing stories about funny experiences they both had growing up. 25-30 years later surprised when seeing him again and on his bobcat helping my neighbor , Rich Jr. It wasn’t till that moment I realized he was Rich’s Dad!.. Sure he sharing his sense of humor with my Dad now in Heaven!
Thank you family for your love and devotion to Papa (Ric). There was never a time when we were working on a project together that we wouldn’t end up laughing or cutting up about something. Lori and I will miss him terribly. Our love to Dorothy , Dawn , Richie , and all the family.
I am so thankful for all the times at the property, with the animals and around the camp fire. We had some good laughs. Ric and Dorthy were always so welcoming to our family. I enjoyed watching him with the animals and always tinkering on something. He will be missed by many. I know he was loved and cherished by his wonderful family and friends. Sending you love and strength to endure the loss of such a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. With live,
Tricia Kelly
I am so thankful for all the times at the property around the camp fire. We had some good laughs. Ric and Dorthy were always so welcoming to our family. I enjoyed watching him with the animals and always tinkering on something. He will be missed by many. I know he was loved and cherished by his wonderful family and friends. Sending you love and strength to endure the loss of such a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. With love, Tricia Kelly
Wow! What a shock it still doesn’t seem real.He has helped me so much over the years,clearing trees,grading and fixing drainage problems,he even moved my garage using pvc pipe for rollers He was an artist with that bobcat
He wasn’t all work though,he could hold his own with the chicken wings at winghouse
I remember years ago we went to one of those all you can eat crab leg places.The wives tapped out pretty quick but Ric and I were out of control.
I think they closed right after that.
I still have the 9000lb anchor in my yard that I got from Ric
This will remind me of Ric and how short our lives are and that it’s Christ that matters in the end
See you soon buddy
God bless the Strehl family
My Papa ❤️ I will always be encouraged by how you loved people. Tough on the outside, but such a great heart.
Ric, it was you who stopped by when I had just bought a lot near your home. Als always, you opened your home and your heart to me. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Many a diet cokes were shared. Sitting on the tractor and helping me with the saw mill was a help for me, and you seemed to enjoy it too. No more tractor or Bobcats here, I’m sure you are busy now watching over all of us. I’ll always feel your presence, I’ll miss you, my friend