MARION MICHAEL STRICKER, age 62, died Sunday, July 31, 2016 at his residence in rural Scott County.

Born February 11, 1954 in Cape Girardeau to Paul H. and Mary Ellen Halter Striker of rural Scott county, he had lived in Scott County his entire life where he was a graduate of Kelly High School. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Southeast Missouri University, he owned and operated Stricker Nursery for a number of years and for a time, was the only wholesaler of azalea's in the state of Missouri. He closed the nursery to take over the operation of the family farm. He was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church in Charleston where he had served on the Parish Council, the Calvary Cemetery board, a member of the choir, and a 4th degree Knight of Columbus. In addition to his church involvements he was an active volunteer in Emergency Management, a First Responder, and with the Search and Rescue Canine Unit.

On May 24, 1975 he married Mary Ann Blattel who survives of the home.

In addition to his mother and wife, survivors include three children, Julie Stricker and Thomas Brewer of Morley, Lori and Brandon Gross of Diehlstadt, and Michael Stricker and Yesenia Rodriquez-Serrano of Republic; one brother, Joseph Stricker of Belleville, IL; two sisters, Barbara Hague of Jefferson City and Joann Padgett of Elsinore; also two grandchildren, Victoria Gross and Hunter Gross both of Diehlstadt.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul H. Striker.

Visitation will be held at McMikle Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2016, with the Knights of Columbus reciting prayers at 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Henry Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 3, 2016, with the pastor, Father Patrick Nwokoye, serving as Celebrant.

Pallbearers will be Joe Stricker, John Blattel, Carl Stricker, Bud Morton, Chris Dugan, and Danny Hague.

Interment will follow in the Calvary Cemetery under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.