Charles "Gordon" Stratz, age 89, a lifelong resident of Big Rapids, passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2016. He was born March 16, 1927 in Big Rapids, the son of Charles and Agnes (Roddy) Stratz. Gordon graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1945 and was later drafted into the United States Army. He served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952. He returned to Big Rapids and to a job at Consumers Power. On October 13, 1956 Gordon married Nelda Stickler at St. Mary Catholic Church. Together they made their home in Big Rapids, where they raised their family to include six beloved children. Gordon continued his work at Consumers until the age of 40, when he made a life changing decision to quit his job and enter Ferris State College where he earned a degree in Heating and Air Conditioning. Following graduation, he accepted a position at Ferris, however after a short time, Gordon was compelled to leave that job and pursue his lifetime ambition to own and operate his own business. In 1970 Gordon realized his dream when he established Stratz Heating and Cooling in Big Rapids. He worked until his retirement in 1995 selling the business to his son Karl who now works with two of his own sons, continuing into the third generation. He was a devout member of St. Marys Catholic Church in Big Rapids where he sang for weddings and funerals, cantored for Masses and was a 4th degree Knights of Columbus. Gordon was an avid bowler his entire life, bowling his last game just four months ago. Gordon is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Nelda Stratz of Big Rapids; six children, Cheryl Kelley, Charlene (Warren) Hansen, Karl (Deb) Stratz all of Big Rapids, Steven (Denise) Stratz of Nashville, TN, Michael (Danora) Stratz, Joan (Kyle) Luce all of Big Rapids; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Albert (Marilyn) Stratz of Los Altos, CA, Richard Stratz of Phoenix, AZ; two sisters, Mary Emily Christiansen of Big Rapids, Ann (Merrill) Heald of Phoenix, AZ; sister-in-law, Anna Marie Stratz of Joliet, IL; as well as many nieces and nephews. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Henry Stratz. A Mass of Christian burial will take place 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids with Father Michael Burt officiating. The family will greet friends on Monday, July 11th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary being prayed at 7:30 p.m. that evening. The family will also greet friends one hour prior to Mass at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions in Gordons name may be made to St. Marys School in Big Rapids. Share a memory or condolence with the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, July 12, 2016 11:00 AM St. Mary Catholic Church 1009 Marion Ave Big Rapids,MI 49307