Maurice “Maury” Strycker, 84, passed away on Thursday January 21, 2021 at home surrounded by his family.
Born on January 12, 1937 in Marshall City, Indiana to Everett and Opal (Clawson) Strycker.
On November 18, 1962 he married the love of his life Carolyn in Springfield, Illinois.
He attended Metea High School and graduated with the class of 1955. Maury graduated from Manchester University receiving his bachelor’s degree in education. Maury began his teaching career in 1960 with the Brethren Volunteer service (BVS), serving in Ramallah which at that time was part of Jordan in the middle east. Upon returning to the United States, he taught in Kingsbury and LaPorte. Feeling called to lead he earned his master’s in education from Indiana University subsequently serving as Principal at LaCrosse, Argos and LaVille, eventually retiring from Morgan Township schools. Maury’s devotion was to his students and staff. He believed “there are no bad kids”. His staff could rely on him to take care of them so they could teach! Maury was an avid basketball player, coach and fan. Being 6’5” in junior high he enjoyed a long and successful playing career and he easily transitioned to coaching.
Maury was a lifelong member of the Lions Club receiving the “Melvin Jones Fellowship” award. He was a regular fixture at the Lions booth at local fairs. He was also a member of Gideons International which enabled him to live his faith in action. He was particularly proud of his involvement in the local jail ministries. Maury was a longtime active member of the Shiloh Wesleyan Church.
Maury was a loving father and devoted husband. Coaching his children was a particular joy! Maury is survived by his wife Carolyn Strycker of Plymouth; children: Rebecca (Tim) Shultz of Kokomo; John (Debbie) Strycker of Ocean Springs, MS; Kathryn (Kirk) Wetherell of Brisbane, Australia, Grandchildren Clay Strycker, Moldova; Sarah Strycker, Japan; Brooke & Gracie Wetherell, Brisbane, Australia.
Maury was an unforgettable presence. He never really met a stranger and he befriended people from all over this world and those friendships will be sustained in the memories of many. There are MANY “Maury” stories! The Stryckers’ were blessed to spend many years wintering in Florida and were actively involved in the Florida Hoosier community.
Maurice was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Guinevere and brothers Philip and Edward.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 29, 2021 from 4-6 pm at Shiloh Wesleyan Church, 10532 4B Rd. Plymouth, IN 46563. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 1 pm at Shiloh Wesleyan Church with Pastor Rich Van Buren officiating.
Burial will take place in the New Oak Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Shiloh Wesleyan Church, 10532 4B Rd. Plymouth, IN 46563 or to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 494 Plymouth, IN 46563.
Please click the link below to live-stream the funeral service on January 30th at 1:00PM EST:
https://zoom.us/j/99471718500
Pam wilson says
Carolyn, we are so sorry to hear of Maurys passing prayers to you and your family. Cecil,Pam and the guys from Lincolnway Auto
Joyce Downs says
The Campbell family sends our thoughts and Prayers.
Bruce Jennings says
Loved that guy — his humor, his red socks, and the fact that he genuinely cared about people. I have many fond memories of Mr. Strycker during visits to his office when he was my Principal at Argos, and I really enjoyed our conversations in my office after I became Principal of Bremen. Maury loved to talk, and I loved listening to his stories (and common sense wisdom). Unforgettable man! He made a positive impact for generations! My thoughts and prayers are with The Strycker Family.
Nancy Ames says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Carolyn.
Linda Patton Ransom says
When my brother, Randy Patton, was in first grade, he did not want to return to school as he was upset that his teacher had made unkind comments he felt had been directed toward him. When Mom, now 92, made Randy return to school, he was in tears and didn’t want to go into the building. Mr. Strycker, principal at Argos Elementary at the time, saw Randy was in tears and helped him to have the courage to return. Mom has always been appreciative of that moment and wanted me to share their story. A few short years later, Randy, age 10 in 1972, died from electrocution, so from my family to yours, please accept our condolences of your loss and allow us to state our appreciation of a most wonderful man who helped a little boy overcome his fears.
Rita and Frank Firestone says
Carolyn we send our love and prayers to you and your family. Maury was such a special person in our lives. So many memories of times spent with him.
Frank and Rita Firestone and family.
Jimmy and Ann Miller says
Dear Carolyn and family. May God grant you peace at this time of sorrow. We have enjoyed all the times we have spent time with you and Maury, God be with each one of you. Love, Jim and Annie Miller
April Hathaway says
Prayers to the Strycker Family! My Grandmother Norma Heckaman worked with Mr. Strycker for years and he was also my Principal at LaVille… He was the best Principal we ever had and we were so fortunate to have experienced him.
Not a day went by that he was not standing at the four corners hallway under the Clock to greet and speak to students ,almost every bell. He knew almost, if not all, the students names. He shared great stories, laughs and wisdom
with us. I have never forgotten Mr. Strycker. Trust when I say he touched us all and made a difference.
April Heckaman Hathaway
LaVille Alumni and
Mishawaka High School
Administrative Secretary
Tracy (Williams) VanDuyne says
I am so sorry for your loss. He was my high school principal at LaVille. I have good memories of him. He always had a smile on his face, and had a great sense of humor.
Kiler and Brenda Richards says
Carolyn, we were so sorry to hear of Maury’s passing and even more sorry that life made us grow apart. We also have so many memories of the two of you…Cindy’s Restaurant for breakfast, Sunday School class at Sunrise Chapel…I loved hearing his stories. He was such a loving, gentle man who genuinely loved his God and Saviour. Our prayers will be with you and the family in the coming days. Lean on Him for your strength and He will not fail you.
Kiler and Brenda Richards
Barb Lowry says
Our sympathy and prayers to all the Strycker family. Maury didn’t know a stranger. He was a very kind, caring man in Plymouth and surrounding communities making a difference in many lives he touched. May you be comforted by your faith, family, friends and good memories as you celebrate his memory and mourn your loss.
Barb & Bub Lowry
Davenport, FL
Ed & Linda Langfeldt says
Our thoughts & prayers are with your family! Maury was always so happy to see us & made us feel special! May your many special memories comfort you during the coming days.
Jan Gaines says
Carolyn, Becky, Tim, Cathy, Kirk and girls and John your family is loved so much by us. We have so many precious memories that we have shared together. Going out to eat, (usually cheap places) as Maury loved pinching his pennies. But we also went to nice places. Many hours of playing cards, riding on the golf cart just being together. Maury loved to tell everyone that his Sunday school teacher (me) always picked on him. But he loved it. You are both like family to us, and we will miss Maury a lot. John and Maury were long time friends and He is feeling lost without him. I will never forget when Maury was in the hospital a few years ago, and they couldn’t get his blood pressure down or his heart in sink. I looked at the nurse and told her if she would let me bring my dog in, she could fix it. She said go get her because Princess was a service dog. I put her on his lap and within minutes every vital sign was good. The nurse said that dog is welcome here anytime and that was ICU. Love ❤️ to all of you, and we will always be here when you need us.
Love, Jan and John
Dr. Bill Kirkley says
Becky and family, So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was a great person and I had a great deal of respect for him. I remember his kindness, his sense of humor, and his integrity. I know you will miss him and many others will as well. It is tough to lose a parent. Take care Becky. Just take this one day at a time.
Bill Kirkley
Alice Leslie Miller says
Although I never met Maury, I felt like I knew him. I taught with his father at Stillwell School. Our conversation led me to know that he lived on my cousin, Arthur and Trella Fiedner’s, farm. In LaPorte, I taught with his brother, Phil, who later became my principal. They both spoke very highly of Maury. I just wanted you to know I am thinking of you and you will be in my prayers. Alice Leslie Miller
Dan and Carolyn Baughman says
Carolyn our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Cherish the memories.
Neal Snyder says
Carolyn and family. I am so sorry to hear of Maury’s passing.
Bernadine Marie Allesee says
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Maury Stricker. He was a friend from the First Baptist Church of La Porte, Indiana. I directed the Junior choirs there, and that is where Mr. Stricker got to know me. I credit Mr. Stricker for giving me my start in teaching, and my years of wonderful memories working with children of all ages. He needed a reading teacher so he called me. I went to help with the reading team, and became the Elementary Music Teacher, and taught band and chorus. I loved it so much, he worked out a plan so that I could teach half days, and drive to South Bend where I continued to work on my degree and completed my studies at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana. Besides raising a family, I taught many years as a Music Teacher in La Porte Community Schools; moved to Florida where I taught over twenty years in Charlotte County Public Schools and two years at Community Christian School in Port Charlotte. He was a very fair man, and I spoke very highly of him. My daughter who lives in Mishawaka, Indiana, saw the obituary, and knew immediately that I would want to know since I had spoken very favorable of him to my family.
So glad to read about more of his wonderful life and how he has affected so many
people for the cause of Christ. May he be still be teaching in heaven and carrying on his work for Christ. May his family know how much he did for so many people, and how much I remember his kindness and his encouragement. May his family be encouraged to never stop giving and supporting others and helping them build up to their potential. God bless you all.
Carolyn Sherwood says
I was sorry to read of Maury’s death. Praying for you as you face the days ahead.
Rick and Cheri Blastick says
Maury was my principal at Morgan Elementary, where my son also attended. We both, as well as my husband, have many fond memories of him. He certainly loved the kids and they him. You could hear his laughter up and down the halls after telling a good story and he always took time to listen to any concerns. He stood by his teachers, taught gym class when needed, and was just an all around good man. We are so sorry for your loss and send comforting prayers for the days ahead. May your memories of times together bring comfort and joy.
Kellee Hitz says
As a former elementary student at morgan twp, I am so sad to hear of Mr. Strycker’s passing. I have so many fond memories of him! I remember hugging him every morning on my way to class! We loved and adored him! My he rest in peace.
Mary Riffer says
Sending our prayers to your family.
I worked with Maury at Morgan Elementary. Many great memories of those times. God bless you in this difficult time.
Sheila & Kevin Snook says
My husband Kevin and I both worked at Morgan School when Maury was the elementary principal and P.E. teacher. I taught sp.ed. and Kevin drove a bus route. Maury was a great guy to work for and the children loved him. He got many hugs a day from these Morgan kids. There is one very touching memory I’d like to share that still brings me to tears: Kevin was involved in a head-on collision while driving on highway 49. (not in the school bus). Due to his injuries, he was unable to drive his route for a period of time. Mr. Strycker took over Kevin’s route morning and night and still managed all his duties of the day. When Kevin was about ready to return to driving his route again, I stopped in the office to pay Maury for all his driving services. His words, “Sheila, I’m not taking anything. I’d never kick a guy when he is down.” He did all that driving for free and because he was a decent, caring man. We’ll never forget that kindness. Rest in Peace, Mr. Strycker!
Stan and Marie Bucher says
Our thoughts and prayers for Mr. Strycker and all of his family…So sorry to hear of his passing. Our family always liked him as a person and as the Principal of Morgan Township School. He was old school and he reminded me a lot of my Dad. He will be missed! He was one of the good ones…🙏🏻🙏🏻
Melissa Shanks says
Carolyn, we are very sorry to hear about your loss. Maurer was one of the first to greet and welcome us at church. He always had a friendly way about him. Praying for you and your family.
Bruce and Melissa Shanks
Pamela Mills says
Mrs. Strycker and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. He was indeed a very special person. I personally knew him through my children, as he was their elementary school principal at Morgan Township.
Mr. Strycker was always encouraging to my children. Not just my children but for others as well. He possessed old fashioned wisdom and goodness. He would convey his teachable moments through stories and examples, so children would understand, as well as for their parents to understand.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
I have no doubt that he is in the care of our Heavenly Father.
With sincere condolences,
Pamela Mills and family
Cindy Boo says
Maury is the reason I worked at Morgan. He saw the potential in me. I will always be grateful for that! He was elementary principal while my 3 children were in school. All the kids loved him and the feelings were mutual. So in the words of one little girl as he was walking her out to her bus, “so long, Mr. Sticker!” He was a blessing to many. 🙏
Pamela Mills says
Mrs. Strycker and family,
I am deeply saddened by the passing of your husband and father. He was indeed a special person. A man with old fashioned wisdom and goodness.
He was very encouraging to my children as he was their elementary principal at Morgan Township School.
He would often use stories and examples so that the children would understand, but he also applied the same to parents to understand as well.
I have no doubt that he is with our Heavenly Father.
Your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Rachel (Wolfe)Anderson says
Carolyn, my condolences to you and your family. I babysit for you when Rebecca was a baby. I don’t remember if I ever babysit for John. You was a wonderful Christian family that I always enjoyed being with.
Rachel (Wolfe) Anderson
Carole Drake says
Dear Carolyn and family,
Lifting all of you up in prayer that God will fill you with His comfort, peace, and hope in the coming days, weeks, and years. I have many fond memories of Maury over the years. He was quite a guy. Praying you will be comforted in a special way during this time of loss….until you meet again for eternity in Heaven 💕
E. MAX STRYKER says
I AM O SO SORRY TO JUST NOW READ OF THE PASSING OF A DISTANT FAVORITE COUSIN OF MINE, WHOM WE KNEW EACH OTHER WELL, BUT LIVED SEPERATE LIVES. I AM SADDENED TO READ OF MAURIE’S DEATH. WE BOTH WERE STUDENTS AT WEST.MICH UNIV, LONG AGO, BUT I ALWAYS ENVIED HIS MASSIVE OA SIZE- COMPARED TO LITTLE ME. MAURIE DROVE HIS BELOVED STUDEBAKER FROM KAZOO, MI TO VISIT ME IN GOSHEN,IN MANY TIMES. MAURIE WAS SURELY “ONE OF A KIND”,GENTLE PERSON. ONCE MET, NEVER FORGET. I LOVED MAURIE.