Joseph "Joe" Strong

A Funeral Service for Joseph M. "Joe" Strong will be held on Friday, September 17, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Wilcox Community Church in Wilcox, Nebraska with Pastors Craig Cedar and Daren Popple officiating.  Interment will follow at the Wilcox Cemetery in Wilcox, Nebraska with Military Honors provided by the Wilcox American Legion Post #377 in conjunction with the United States Marine Funeral Honors Team.

The funeral service will be live streamed via the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/Nelson-Bauer-Funeral-Homes-111601113801622

Joseph Mead "Joe" Strong, 90 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away, on September 11, 2021, at his home in Holdrege surrounded by his family.  Joe was born in Holdrege on March 7, 1931, born to Roy Mead and Esther (Olsen) Strong.  He received his primary education from the Wilcox Public School and then attended Holdrege Public School, and graduated with the class of 1949. He pursued higher education at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and after two years transferred to Kearney State College. He received a certificate in Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa.

On May 27, 1952, Joe enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in Alma. He went to boot camp in San Diego, California and following graduation from boot camp, he was stationed at Camp Barstow, California for 2 years.  He held several duties during his time in the motor transport supply post. Joe was honorably discharged on May 27, 1954, with the rank of private first class.

On June 27, 1954, Joe was united in marriage to Pat Kuck at the First United Methodist Church in Holdrege and to this union five children were born: Scott, Shawna, Sharisse, Stacy, and Serena.  The couple made their home near Wilcox.  In 1956, Joe accepted Christ into his life with the help of Pastor Boyd White.

Joe lived and breathed sales.  He started at a young age helping out at his father's sale barn, Holdrege Livestock Auction in Holdrege, as a ring man and later auctioneering.  He continued attending sales including: estate and farm auctions, garage sales, and livestock, especially cattle auctions and was thrilled when his grandchildren would tag along.

He enjoyed reading, going to the Nebraska Prairie Museum in Holdrege, and coffee at the Wilcox Cafe. His grandchildren were the light of his life and he loved going to their activities.

He attended and was a member of the Wilcox Community Church in Wilcox since 1954. Joe was also a Gideon with the Holdrege Gideon Camp.

In June of 2017, Joe and Pat moved to Holdrege and lived on Hancock Street, the same street that he grew up on.

Besides his parents, Joe was preceded in death by, his siblings:  Louise Hinrichs and her husband, Carl; Charlotte Lantz and her husband, Clive (Shorty); Paul Strong; one brother who passed in infancy; and one grandson, Chase Gardels.

Joe is survived by his wife, Pat of Holdrege; his children: Scott Strong and his wife, Janet of Wilcox; Shawna Gardels and her husband, Kirk of Wilcox; Sharisse Guthrie and her husband, Tracy of Holdrege; Stacy Strong and his wife, Tina of Wilcox; and Serena Stutzman and her husband, Chris of Roca, Nebraska; 20 grandchildren: Rachelle High and her husband, Jason; Spencer Strong and his wife, Bobbie; Brooke Miller and her husband, Patrick; Crystal Robison and her husband, Ryan; Alyssa Strong; Derek Gardels and his wife, Emily; Austin Gardels and his wife Sarah; Brandon Gardels and his wife, Susan; Clint Gardels and his wife, Breanna; Vincent Guthrie and his wife, Desiree; Shana Nitchie and her husband, Scott; Tyler Guthrie and his wife, Brooke; Callie Nelson; Jordan Strong and his wife, Kaisha; Shelbi Ropers and her husband, Justin; Siera Fiedler and her husband, Baylor; Caden Stutzman; Treyce Stutzman; Ike Stutzman; 38 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 16, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a family greeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in Joe's honor, and kindly suggested to the Holdrege Gideons Camp or Camp Joy.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.