Michael Strein Obituary

I just heard I'm so sorry!! We had great memories!!! Rip my old friend!

We just planted at tree in your honor.
xoxo

Why???!

Wishing you a happy birthday- remembering you always.

Much Love,

Amanda

"and I will forever, cause you’ll forever be"

We carry you with us. Miss you always.

Shine on,
Amanda

i miss you everyday. i will always love you.

Although today it has been 4 years since you've been gone, it seems like just yesterday we were in school or out with our friends. You were making everyone laugh with your jokes and smile (which made everyone want to smile). I cherish the friendship we had and miss you everyday!!

I will be positive every day.
I am stronger because you have lived.
I wonder how you have impacted others.
I hear the sound of your laughter as vivid as yesterday.
I see ladybugs fluttering freely.
I want everyone to feel better.
I am stronger because you have lived.
I pretend I will go home and you will be there.
I feel sad because I know this cannot happen.
I cry from time to time.
I am stronger because you have lived.
I understand that you have helped others.
I say to live in hope not in fear.
I dream we can hang out again sometime.
I am stronger because you have lived.
I miss you.

Miss you a lot today and everyday...

I think of you every single day. Miss you and love you ALWAYS.

Make that Happy Golden Birthday Mike!

Happy 22nd Birthday Mike! We all miss you bud. Merry Christmas!

i miss you so much right now. sometimes i still think its a matter of time and you will be back...love you. <3

so many weeks, months, years go by...

the pain does not end...

time seems frozen this season of the year...

we may all be a bit wiser...

if only i had known what to say...

i only wish i could share some of this knowledge now...

wish i could take your pain away...

i'd settle for a smile and a laugh instead...

amaising what small graces we prize in the after...

i take on everyday to make this place better for all...

I am stronger because you have lived.
I wonder how you have impacted others.
I hear the sound of your laughter as vivid as yesterday.
I see ladybugs fluttering freely.
I want everyone to feel better.
I am stronger because you have lived.
I pretend I will go home and you will be there.
I feel sad because I know this cannot happen.
I cry from time to time.
I am stronger because you have lived.
I understand that you have helped others.
I say to live in hope not in fear.
I dream we can hang out again sometime.
I am stronger because you have lived.
I miss you.

Missing you always<3

3 years...i love you and miss you more than anything. i think about you everyday.<3

Today so far has been very hard.....I've been looking at all the different pictures I have of you, thinking back to those times and how much fun we all had. I truely miss you everyday and keep you in my heart always!

today was rough. i miss you more than anything. love you always<3

hey bud...it's the start of our last season...i'm always thinkin' of yah...just gotta do what yah gotta do

i miss you so much. <3

Missing you so much today and always...keep smiling down on us!

One never does know just how much the little things in life mean to them until they are gone. I miss the daily ritual - the conversations about nothing and everything. The questions you often had, made me feel more important than I should have. Just the wide grin you would make walking up. Most of all I miss you. First there was denial - it couldn't be you. Then there was anger, then guilt. When all had left me I was void, now I know that I will always have you.

missing you. <3

Happy 21st Birthday Mike, We all miss you. Love you buddy.

Im just sitting around at work and today is one of those days that are very hard.....Everyday something reminds me of u.....miss u much Strein!

I miss you every day. I love you.

I think of you always Mike and miss you more than I could ever imagine. Happy Valentines Day!

...Missing you always...



love,

Amanda

I am just sitting here and I can't get you out of my mind. I wish you were here with me and all of us! I miss you and will never forget you!

Happy Birthday Mike. Thank you for being a part of my life which I will always cherish and remember with love and happiness. I love you

Missing you so much....

Mike- I miss you every single day... I love you, always.

There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I miss you more and more each day. I figure writing in here will help me through today. Thank you again for everything Mike. You are always in my heart and in my dreams. I love you.

Mike and I spent many charished memories and experiences growing up with each other since about kindergarden. Mike, I will miss the trips to great america and wisconsin, and how we always came in contact with each other on our birthdays. I think and pray for you and your family everday. You were always an inspiration to me growing up and you still are today. I miss you and will always love you buddy.

I miss you more and more everyday. I love you so much mikey... I know you are watching down on me and jessie everyday. I know you are still with me... i love you.

Mike...I have been thinking about you all day. I miss you so much. I just wanted to say, once again, that I love you with all my heart and miss you more than you could imagine. I wish you were here with me Mike. My memories of us together are what keeps me going. Thank you for being you and giving me all the love you did. I just want you to know you have an amazing family who have helped me so much. You will always be in our hearts.

I cannot say that i knew Mike well , my memories of Mike are of a handsome teenage boy with a beautiful smile always taking the time to share that smile and a hello with a neighbor going by. and standing with baxter in the yard and being so sweet to my little girl . Mike had someyhing special, a light in his eyes when he smiled his beautiful smile. i think of you all{streins]everyday

and wish so much that you find peace and love eachother more than ever.

love Amy

Missed you during the holidays and your birthday.



You are and always will be my younger brother.



You and your tremendous impact on people will never be forgotten!



You will live in our hearts forever.



Your spirit continues to motivate people--making them stronger.



Peace and Love Forever,



Jon C. Strein

Hey Mikey, Happy Birthday! Sorry this wasnt't up yesterday, but I was there with you. You know that though =) I hope you liked your cake! Keep watching over us. I love you!

Happy Birthday, Mike!

Our memories of You are Cherished and You are Loved and Missed by All.



Peace, Love, and Joy be with You,

Dad

HAPPY 19th BIRTHDAY! We find our strength in your love. We miss the way your eyes smiled before your face broke out in a grin. We LOVE you.

Mike, isn't Amanda's star tree amazing? Each of those stars (and the many more to come) are small reminders of the memories, blessings, and lasting impressions that made you the extremely special person that you were here on earth. We all look forward to joining you someday in Heaven. For now, shine on through the stars and bless us all. You are missed and loved. Love, Amanda's friend, Stacy

"Somehow somewhere I'll see you again..but until then I've got dreams of loving you."

Mike I miss you so much. You are the most amazing person I've ever met. From the moment we were together my life was complete...now part of me is missing because it left with you. I know you will always be with me too. Thank you for making me the happiest person I could be. I love you, forever. "pretty"

Forever on our minds and in our hearts. Thank you for being you :)

much love,

my memory of michael is more of an image than a memory. many, many years ago, i remember amanda preparing breakfast one summer morning for michael. he wanted waffles. once they were ready, they were placed in front of him. amanda had walked out of the kitchen, so he looked at me for help. i was wondering what he was waiting for. he then peeped out in this helpless little voice, "can you cut them up for me?" how innocent! when thinking of him, i still see him as that platinum blonde little boy. i was unfortunate to not have gotten to know him all grown. i see how he has touched the lives of so many.

How lucky I am to have known someone who was so hard to say goodbye to.

Mike, I just wanted to take this chance to confess my biggest regret: that is that I never got to know you very well. As Jessica's brother I have a natural gaurd against her boyfriends, kinda the protective role that any older brother can relate to. The fact is that you made my Sister the happiest she has been in her entire existence, and for that I have an infinite respect for you that I will never be able to express. You will always have a place in my heart, because you have my sister's heart, and she will always love you. Hopefully, when it is my time, I will have the honor of getting to know you in another place, rest in peace Mike.

So Beautiful! You make our hearts smile.

I had the gift of spending time with Mike in Banff, Cananda. His enormous smile still radiates in my mind. My trip to Banff not only allowed me to spend time with Mike, but to truly experience the love, encouragement, and support of the entire Strein family. My heart is full of thoughts for each of you! Mike's smile and wonderment are attributes I will forever cherish.

I have known Mike since 7th grade. Since then our friendship has grown so much. I will always remember Mike as someone who always tried to cheer me up when I was down. We would always go to Michigan and he would always be the one making the jokes, looking around to make sure everyone was smiling. He brought great joy to my heart as to others. He will be in my heart forever and one day we will all meet again with him. My heart goes out to the Strein family and to my best friend, Jessica. Jess my heart is with you, stay strong! Mike keep watching over us and thanks for all of the ladybugs...

Mike, I think about you every second of everyday. I love you with all my heart. I miss you. -"pretty"

Angel on Earth - Angel in Heaven
We love and miss you, Mike.

I consider myself LUCKY and very FORTUNATE to have known Mike. I had met him during his visits up to see Amanda and Ryan, but I was very blessed to have been able to spend a week with him in Canada for Amanda and Ryan's wedding. Two memories stand out in my mind when I think of Mike. His exuberance and bold enthusiasm (!) were so evident at Amanda's rehearsal dinner. When he opened the backpack gift, he was so excited! You would think someone just gave him a million bucks! He was so thrilled, grateful, and honored! That's all he could talk about for hours and days after. "Look at this great backpack! Isn't it awesome!!!" The second memory really pays tribute to his kind, caring, and generous heart. On my last night in Banff, we were out celebrating at a local pub. We were going up to "refill" our beverages, and he saw me standing there trying to get the bartender's attention. He offered and insisted on getting me a "Strong Bow", but I turned him down graciously, telling him to save his money because he was going to be needing it as a college kid. He really wanted to help me out, so I told him maybe he could help another time. You know, he's already helped me from heaven. I've heard songs of encouragement on the radio recently, and I know he's helping me out with my personal struggles. Cheers, Mike and thank you. To the Strein family, all my love, thoughts and prayers are sent to you daily.

Although I'm back in Ohio, I think about you guys all the time, and Mike too. Be strong, and I'm here if anyone wants to chat. See you at Thanksgiving. Much Love,

Amanda, I was so sorry to hear about your brother. My prayers to you and your family.

Words alone cannot help you through this time of healing. Consider yourself hugged.

Tracy

I had only one brief encounter with Mike. He was visiting Amanda in Cottage Grove and there was a faculty BBQ. My 3 year old daughter and I had attended this. Mike took the time to sit down with my daughter and play the piano. Not many young men would have done this. This experience showed me a very gentle soul. Amanda has also told me how much Mike and her were alike. I can see her gentle soul as well and my heart hurts when I see the pain she is going through. I want the Strein family to know that my heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need. Amanda keep on being you.

AMANDA I WISH I COULD TAKE YOUR PAIN AWAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, BUT ONLY TIME WILL HEAL. I ONLY KNEW MICHAEL FOR A SHORT TIME, BUT IN THAT TIME HE PLACED A HUGE SMILE IN MY HEART THAT I WILL HAVE FOREVER AND FOR THAT I AM GRATEFUL. I LOVE YOU, MOM Z.

HI TO THE STREIN FAMILY. I DID NOT KNOW MIKE BUT HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT HIM THROUGH HIS SISTER AMANDA. I WANT TO SAY THAT I WILL PRAY FOR THIS FAMILY. AND TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YOUR LOSS IS HARD I KNOW, BUT NEVER FORGET ALL THE GOOD THINGS. ONLY TIME WILL HEAL YOUR HEARTS AND FRIENDS AND FAMILY WILL HELP YOU THROUGH. SHARI PERKINS (FRIEND OF AMANDA STREIN)

Erica, please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers every day. You are in all of our hearts here at Siena.

I have know Mike since James Hart Junior High as well as through highschool at H-F. I loved to be around him..he always was making me laugh and smile even if I was having the worst day ever. He was also a great guy, a nice person to talk to and very intellegent. He was awesome in highschool at swimming and he always had fun with it..especially when it came time to shave for it! He will be missed so much and this is a very difficult time for many people. My prayers go out to the Strein family in their time of need. He is being missed every second of the day...we all loved him so much and words can not express what he meant to all of us. He had a profound impact on everyone he EVER came in contact with..to those people my prayers go out to you in your time of sadness. Please except my deepest sympathies and my greatest apologies for not being able to make it to the wake and services. God Bless

I am very sorry to hear about your great loss. I went to Helen Keller with Mike, and my brother, Mike, went to school with Erica. Mike was a great guy and always made everyone smile. Even now, he's still a great person. Again, I am sorry to hear about Mike. Mike and his family, you're in my prayers. God Bless you and thank you for sharing Mike with us.

Even though I did not get much time with Mike, he showed me what an amazing person he was. I will miss him very much. My prayers are with the Strein family, now and always.

Our deepest sympathy to the Michael Strein family.

I was friends with Mike at James Hart and even though we went to different high schools we still stayed in touch. I remember everyday he would put a smile on my face even if I was in the worst mood. I will miss u so much Mike! To the Strein family may God help you through this time of need! Mike I will see u in heaven buddy!

Amanda,

I am terribly sorry to hear about your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I can't even imagine the pain you are feeling. Try to find comfort in knowing that your brother is in a better place.

Jon and Marilyn,

My deepest sympathy for your loss. You are in my prayers.

Ann Gardner

Amanda, you and your family are in my prayers. I have heard only great things about your brother Mike. Please know I am here for you in this difficult time.

Jon and Marilyn,



Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the death of Michael.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.



The Bissell family

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. I was so sorry to hear the news. May Michaels journey home be full of peace and comfort.

Jon and Marilynn,

Our condolences to you and your family on your loss. We have read the messages sent to you and it is obvious Michael was a very special person.

No one can imagine your sadness at this time. Our prayers are with you.

Sincerely,

Bob and Kath

My condolences are with the Strein family. I knew Michael for a few years of his life growing up in Tinley Park and at this time he will be in both my thoughts and prayers; as well the family.

Mike graduated from H-F in the same year as me and also attended Western with me. I got to know him in Psychology and talked to him at lunch a few times. He was a very kind person and made a very good impression on me and everyone else he met. He had a lot of close friends, he was a great swimmer, and had a very nice personality. I hope his family and friends will have enough strength to get through this tough time. He will be missed by all who knew him. May you rest in peace Michael William Strein...we will miss you, I know I will.

Jon and Marilyn, my deepest sympathies on your loss. I am sorry I will be unable to attend the wake and services, my heart goes out to you.

I knew Mike through my boyfriend here at WIU. My boyfreind was a swimmer with him and lived on the same floor as Mike. Mike was a great guy. He was always so nice, just a real genuine person. My condolences go to the family and friends of Mike. You will be in my prayers. God Bless

As former members of the Homewood Flossmoor Swim Club community, we were privileged to see Mike grow over the years in and around the pool. Our family expresses our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Knowing Mike since a baby and seeing him grow thru the years into a really neat young adult has been a gift we shared with his parents, our dearest longtime friends, Jonathan and Marilynn Strein.

Our spirits and prayers are with you in this saddest of times and Mike has left a void in our hearts that will always be there.

Our love and deepest sympathy go to the Strein family. May Mike rest in peace.

Mike you will be missed and thought about by many. We are glad we met such a big hearted guy as yourself and will remember all the old laughs and good times. We will miss you greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Strein family and may God give them strength through this difficult time. Mike, rest in peace and we'll see you in Heaven!! Love you always, Lisa and Bekah

John and Marilyn, Dave called me and told me what happened. I was so stunned to hear the news. I did not know Michael at all, but my son is also 18 and it hit close to home. There are no words that can make bearing the pain any easier, only time will be able to do that. I do send my deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in my thoughts. Hold together as a family as that is what will get you through this.

My deepest condolences go out to Mike and the Strein family. I had the pleasure of coaching Mike for a brief time and found him to be a talented, bright, funny, and engaging young man. My prayers are with his family and friends.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Strein Family, you are all in our hearts. Erica, we miss you everyday and even though we cannot be with you during this time know that we love you and are thinking of you.

I didn't get a lot of time to spend with Mike, but the moments I did will forever be cherished. He brightened my day and put a smile on my face everytime I saw him, and was truly a one of a kind person I will never forget. I'll miss you Mike! My sympathy goes out to all of his family and friends.

We are parents of 2 WIU Alumni class of 2004. Your family will be in our prayers. You are WIU Family. God Bless, your faith will help you through. Mike will be with you always in your heart and memories.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Not only was Mike a great swimmer he was a heck of a (TP Bobcats) baseball player too. We are so sorry for your loss.

I had the pleasure of knowing Mike through my work at H-F as a teacher and a swim coach. Mike was a leader for his teammates and amazing to watch in the pool. I got to know Mike especially well over the past 2 summers, as he taught in the swimming lessons program that I directed at the H-F pool. Mike was truly the best instructor I had. His enthusiasm and knowledge for the sport of swimming rubbed off on each child he taught. The kids and parents loved him, and I ofetn had parents say, "Can my child have Coach Mike again next session?"

My deepest sympathy and prayers are with Mike's parents, sisters, brother, and the H-F swimming and water polo family as we all try to get through this difficult time.

My prayers will be with Mike and his family...he was a good friend and a good person...God Bless

My thoughts and prayers are with The Strein family and everyone effected. He was a great guy, and he will be greatly missed.R.I.P. Mike.

I was good friends with Mike from James Hart days through HF and I will miss him terribly! My thoughts and prayers are with his family and may God give them strength in what is their weakest time. Mike may you rest in peace and I'll see you in Heaven!

I did not know Mike very well, however I consider anyone from HF broadcasting family. I sincerely hope his family and friends find the strength and courage to get through this difficult time.



-Brit

(class of 2003, program director WHFH)

My deepest sympathy for Mike's family and friends during this time. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

My thoughts and prayers are with Mikes Family. I knew Mike through the guys swim team, and snowball.

My thoughts & prayers go out to Marilyn and her family. I didn't know Michael but I worked with Marilyn. I know that she was very proud of Michael and all of his accomplishments.

My prayers are with Mike's friends and family at this time.

My condolences at this hard time and my prayers are here always and forever. Going to school with him was cherished. He will forever be in our hearts.

I knew Mike for 3 years. I had the pleasure of working with him in the broadcasting course at Homewood-Flossmoor High School. I knew Mike to be a sincere and compassionate colleague. He will be missed always, and loved by those who knew him.