Michael J. Strama, Jr., 80, of Martins Ferry, OH, died Saturday, Jul. 7, 2012, at his residence. He was born Mar. 12, 1932 in Rayland, OH a son of the late Michael J. Strama, Sr. and Josephine M. (Journee) Strama. He was a retired Maintenance Foreman for the Yorkville Plant of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel. He also worked for Nickles Bakery, Martins Ferry School System and Lesco, Inc. In 1966 he founded Strama's Excavating where he worked with his son until his death. Mike loved airplanes and learned to fly as a teenager at Scott Field north of Martins Ferry. He shared his passion for aviation with his daughter by helping her get her private pilot's license. He was a remarkable man who valued his family, aviation and hard work. Mike attended the First Christian Church and was a lifetime member of American Legion Post #38 and the former V.F.W. Post #3613 all of Martins Ferry. He was also a member of the Aircraft Owner's & Pilot's Assoc. and the Experimental Aircraft Assoc. Michael was a veteran of the U.S. Army Korean War & a recipient of a Bronze Star. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Jeannie M. (Henceroth) Strama and a brother Robert C. Strama. Surviving are his son Michael (Lisa) Strama, III of Martins Ferry, his daughter Jo Ann (Gary R.) Gould of Wheeling, and his brother Victor J. (Emma) Strama of Woodstock, Conn. Friends will be received Wednesday, 1-3 pm and 5-8 pm at the Heslop Funeral Home, 415 Walnut St., Martins Ferry where services will be held Thursday, Jul. 12, 2012 at 1:00 pm with Minister Rod Kasler officiating. Burial follows in Holly Memorial Gardens, Pleasant Grove, OH. Military honors will be held at the funeral home at 12:45 pm prior to services by the V.F.W. Belmont County Honor Guard. Condolences to the family may be made by signing the guest book at the top of this page.

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