Michael Strobel

Michael Lee Strobel died unexpectedly December 10, 2021, at his cabin in Heber Springs. He died holding the hand of the love of his life, his wife Debbie. Then he reached out and took the hand of Jesus as he was welcomed to eternity.

Michael was born December 5, 1954, to Thomas Strobel and the late Doris Carroll Strobel. He grew up in Western Springs, IL, with his parents and older brother Gary. The family moved to Boca Raton, FL when Michael was 12. He loved living in a condo right on the beach! In high school he ran track and was a diver.

After graduating from high school in 1973, Michael attended Auburn University for 2 years. It was there that he met the love of his life, Debbie, shortly before classes started. It was also there that he came into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through the witness of Debbie and others. Due to his major, Michael transferred to Florida State University and graduated from there in 1977 with a degree in Film.

Michael and Debbie married in the summer of 1977 and spent the next years moving around Texas before settling in North Little Rock in 1981. They became established in their careers and enjoyed fixing up their older home in Park Hill. While working full time, Michael got his master’s degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Communications from UALR. Through the remainder of his work life, he worked as a trainer, personnel director, and human resources coordinator for companies such as Savers Federal, Systematics, Alltel, Twin City Bank, and Right Management.

Michael had a fear of becoming a dad, so it took Debbie about 12 years to convince him! They became first time parents at age 34 with the birth of Preston, and Grant followed 5 years later. Michael loved both his sons with a passion and enjoyed being their dad. He was involved in every activity they did and was always bragged about them to everyone who would listen!

He was a volunteer in both church and civic organizations. He was a mentor in the STEP Ministry to inner city youngsters. He was an elder at Fellowship North and led many volunteer projects there. Michael went to Haiti twice on mission trips. He and Debbie had just joined the Summit Church this year and were working to find their place of service.

Michael was an active member and officer in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He joined to help support his son Preston and because of his great love for boating. He served in many different positions, both statewide and region wide. He was also an Academy Partner for the US Coast Guard Academy, helping to direct and help students who were interested in attending there.

His activities and interests were many and varied. He enjoyed doing magic both in his work (training classes) and with the boys. He was a Master Gardener and also a Toastmaster. He and Debbie raced sailboats on Lake Maumelle, later transitioning to a ski boat when they had children. He loved their cabin on Greers Ferry Lake and enjoyed many wonderful family times there. Debbie and Michael loved traveling together and had many amazing trips together including Israel, every state in the union except Hawaii, and sailing a catamaran around the US and British Virgin Islands. He was also a member and instructor for the Arkansas Canoe Club, where he did both flatwater and whitewater kayaking and canoeing. Michael was an ambassador for the North Little Rock Sister City Program and got to travel with Grant and the delegation of students to South Korea, as well as hosting students and officials in their home several times. He made many wonderful friends through this program.

At age 61, he discovered another great love…motorcycles! He purchased a dirt bike but quickly transitioned to a Harley Sportster. He joined the Central Arkansas Hog Chapter and enjoyed the friendship of the group and their rides together. He volunteered with the group as their Membership Officer and a Ride Captain. Michael especially loved the long road trips that he and Preston took together. He rode over 33,000 miles in those 6 years!

Michael’s survivors include his wife of 44 years, Debbie Freear Strobel of North Little Rock. Older son, LT Preston Strobel (Alla), United State Coast Guard, of Juneau, AK. Younger son Grant Strobel of Rogers, AR. Father, Thomas Strobel of Little Rock. Brother Gary Strobel (Sherry) of Conway, AR. Also, nieces Kristin Emmons of Denver, CO and Kelli Horst (Scott) of Clarkston, MI, along with great-nephews Jed and Collin Horst. He was predeceased by his mother, Doris Strobel and his brother-in-law James Freear.

Visitation is at 1:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM, Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Summit Church, 6600 Crystal Hill Road, North Little Rock. Michael would not want this to be a dress up affair. Please come casual and comfortable. If you are a biker, please wear your Harley gear! If you are out of town, or unable to attend, you may view the service at this link: https://subsplash.com/thesummitchurch-ar/lb/mi/+ky94dqr

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to STEP Ministries, P.O. Box 122, NLR, AR. 72115