John, son of Mr. and Mrs. Claus Strosahl, was born July 9, 1915 in Manning, Iowa. He was one of four children. He worked on the family farm throughout his early life. A lifelong thinker and self-educator, he became a voracious reader in spite of a limited education - a habit that he kept throughout his life. Inspired by dreams and visions from his reading, he left Iowa in 1935 in search of adventure.

That adventure took him across the country, riding the rails as was often done during those days, to Alaska where he occupied himself fishing, hunting, working on the Al-Can highway, and building hangars for the Army as part of the war time effort.

While in Alaska living the wild life, he began, through his sister Margot, to write letters to her roommate, Joyce Ritchie. Joyce was a young violinist of considerable repute from a family of teachers and educators in Kentucky. A two year pen-pal relationship led to a face to face meeting and ultimately blossomed into marriage in 1944 - based on their mutual love of adventure. They were married for 62 years.

Back in Alaska, he settled down, putting his carpenter skills to work as a builder of homes. After having the first of four sons, John and Joyce left Alaska for more civilized territory in 1947, which ultimately led to his settling in Yakima - which he loved at first sight. In 1949 he co-founded United Builders of Washington.

Throughout the 1950's and 60's United Builders built thousands of homes for the postwar generation, and the company continued to grow. He always believed in fair pay for a day's work and was loved and revered by many he employed and worked with over the years. Today many relatives and friends of his first employees still work for the company. The company he built is still the only residential building company in the state to employ union carpenters. Throughout his life John was an honest man who would give you the straight story.

John lived with great gusto and admired and befriended those who approached life with the same attitude. He was one of the first local businessmen to own and fly planes for business and pleasure. He had a lifelong love for the out-doors, including picnicking, camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, berry picking, and mushrooming, which he shared with his wife and many friends. His love of baseball brought him to be the President of the Yakima Bears Baseball club in 1960-61. He attended many World Series and spring training every year, often with one or more of his sons. Even to the end of his life he was a devoted Mariners critic (fan). Most of all, he loved travel which he did to all p arts of the globe, mostly with his wife Joyce.

John passed away on August 12, 2005, only after having lived a full life - with many "come-backs" and many contributions - most of it in Yakima. He was a valued member of his community. He was loved by his family. He died with his house in order. His humor, his honesty, his advice will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife Joyce; their four sons and daughter-in-laws: Stephen Strosahl and wife Geannette (Pipes); Patrick and wife Judith Strosahl; Kirk Strosahl and wife Pattie (Robinson); and Mark and wife Lori Strosahl, a their daughter (Coee Strosahl); nine grandchildren: Jack Strosahl, Logan Strosahl, Joanna Robinson, Alexandria Strosahl, Frances Strosahl, Eleanor Strosahl, Angelina Strosahl, Janava Wright, and Regan Robinson; three great-grandchildren: Dion, J-Lyn, and baby girl Wright; two sisters: Margaret Carson, Seattle and Mercedes Bowers, Manning, Iowa; one sister-in-law: Dorothy Knudson of Manning.