Ernest G. Striker

Ernest G. Striker, 90, of Bucyrus died Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Altercare of Bucyrus after a series of health issues.



Ernie was born January 11, 1928 in Cranberry Twp., Crawford County to the late George and Ruth (Scott) Striker. He grew up active, playing every sport he could. After losing his foot in a cider press accident at age 9, his only question was “Can I still play ball?” And play he did: baseball, basketball, bowling, boxing, softball, shuffleboard…if it was a sport, he played it. Ernie graduated for Sulphur Springs High School in 1945 and moved to Shelby before returning and meeting the former Doris E. Quaintance. They were married on May 13, 1951 and she survives.



Ernie worked for Swan Rubber for 20 years before joining The Timken Co. where he worked another 20 years. He and Doris were staples in the Prospect St. neighborhood and enjoyed wintering in Bradenton, Florida for over 20 years after retirement. He coached Little League Baseball and enjoyed get-togethers with friends, whether for a card party, square dance, or just to pick berries and enjoy the company. He enjoyed classic country and bluegrass and considered his trip to the Ryman and Grand Ole Opry among his most memorable. He loved the Cleveland Indians, was an avid reader, especially history and westerns, and was a great cook too. He could play Jeopardy with the best of them and liked working crossword puzzles. He was a member of the Bucyrus UMC and former Epworth UMC and Moose Lodge 669.



In addition to his wife of 67 years, Ernie is survived by four children, Stephen Striker of Columbus, Jeff (Nancy) Striker of Brandon, Florida, Linda (Greg) Briggs of Bradenton, and Greg (Becky) Striker of Bucyrus; grandchildren, Jonathan (Adrienne) Striker, Peter Striker, Rachel (Dan) Gliewe, Gretchen (Sam) Hart, Beau Briggs (Melissa), Randy Striker, Kristy (Matt) Long, and Dallas Holbrook; great grandchildren, Amelia, Kira, Braylen, Leela, Kaylee, Elijah, Ellie, and Drake; sisters, Pauline Eichelberger and Pat Sherman (Jim Carpenter); brothers, Don (Dixie), Doyle (Peg), and Rich (Sonya) Striker; and a lot of nieces, nephews, and extended family.



He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Buddy Striker, Jake Striker, Wilma Jane Raby, Melda “Toad” Dietz, and Esther Ferguson.



The Striker family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 1 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Wise Funeral Service where his funeral will be held on Thursday at 10:30 am with Pastor Mike Corwin officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.



In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be made payable to Bucyrus Little League or Alzheimer’s Association and given at the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on Ernie’s Tribute Wall.