06/11/2026
IN MEMORY OF
Richard Milton "Dick" Strahm - Feb 23, 1934 - June 9, 2026
Coach Strahm was Warren Western Reserve High School's very first Head Football Coach, having served from 1966 to 1969.
Richard Milton "Dick" Strahm, legendary Hall of Fame football coach, mentor, author, veteran, and devoted man of faith, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, at the age of 92.
Born on February 23, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio, Dick dedicated his life to serving others through leadership, faith, family, and the game he loved. Over a coaching career that spanned decades, he became one of the most respected figures in collegiate football, leaving an enduring impact on countless players, coaches, students, and friends.
Before beginning his coaching career, Dick proudly served his country in the United States Air Force National Guard. The discipline, commitment, and sense of service he developed during his military years became hallmarks of the leadership style that would define his life.
Dick greatly enjoyed his time as head football coach at Bryan High School from 1962 to 1965. During his four-year tenure, he compiled an impressive 26-9-2 record, highlighted by an undefeated 7-0 Northwest Ohio Athletic League championship season in 1964.
From 1966 to 1969, Dick served as the head football coach at Warren Western Reserve High School. As the first head coach in the school's history, he was entrusted with building the program from its inception and led the team to an outstanding 32-8 record during his four-year tenure.
He also coached at the University of Toledo from 1970 to 1972. During this highly successful three-year period, he served as defensive coordinator for the Rockets, helping lead the team to three consecutive undefeated seasons and three Tangerine Bowl championships.
Coach Strahm is best remembered for his remarkable tenure as head football coach at the University of Findlay from 1975 to 1998. Under his leadership, the Oilers rose to national prominence, winning four NAIA National Championships in 1979, 1992, 1995, and 1997. His teams became known for the values of discipline, integrity, teamwork, and perseverance that he instilled in every player.
Throughout his career, Dick believed coaching was about far more than wins and losses. He viewed every season as an opportunity to shape lives, build character, and prepare young men for success beyond the football field. To generations of athletes, he was simply "Coach"-a trusted teacher, mentor, and friend whose influence extended well beyond the game.
His extraordinary accomplishments were recognized nationally when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004. Yet those who knew him best understood that his greatest achievements were not measured by championships or accolades. His true legacy lives in the thousands of lives he touched through his encouragement, wisdom, compassion, and unwavering belief in others.
Dick also shared his experiences and life lessons through his book, Just Call Me Coach, reflecting on a lifetime of leadership, faith, relationships, and lessons learned through sport. The humility, gratitude, and servant-hearted approach reflected in its pages were the same qualities that defined his life.
Faith was the cornerstone of Dick's life. He was a devoted member of First Church of God in Findlay, Ohio, where he found fellowship, purpose, and spiritual strength. His Christian faith guided his decisions, shaped his relationships, and influenced the way he coached, mentored, and loved those around him.
Away from football, Dick cherished the simple joys of friendship and conversation. He loved gathering with his Friday lunch buddies in Findlay, where they enthusiastically set about solving the world's problems over a good meal and plenty of laughter. In his later years, some of his most treasured moments were the lunch visits he shared with former players and his longtime football manager, Jackie. These gatherings reflected what mattered most to Dick-not trophies or titles, but relationships. The bonds he built throughout his life remained among his greatest blessings.
Above all, Dick treasured his family. His beloved wife of 63 years, Ginger Strahm, passed away shortly after him on the same day.
He is survived by his oldest son, Doug Strahm and wife Lisa; his daughter, Gina Strahm-Kagy and husband Matt; and his youngest son, Steve Strahm and wife Traci. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Hunter Kagy, Dalton Kagy, Danielle Kagy, Zach Strahm, and Maxwel Strahm.
He is also survived by his brother, Dale Strahm and wife Diane; nephews Brian Strahm and wife Kim and their sons, Mac and Henry; Brad Strahm; Brett Strahm and wife Taniya; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Strahm, father, Milton Strahm; his mother, Mildred Strahm; his Aunt Trudy Siewart; and his Aunt May LaPoint.
Those who knew Dick will remember his unwavering faith, competitive spirit, quick wit, humility, and genuine care for others. Forgetting his wallet.
Whether on the sidelines, in church, in the community, or around the family table, he led by example and inspired those around him to strive for excellence while remaining grounded in service and gratitude.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dick Strahm Scholarship Fund at the University of Findlay.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at COLDREN-CRATES Funeral Home.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 10 am will be the Family greeting with 11:00 a.m. Funeral at the University of Findlay Alumni Memorial Union, 1001 N. Cory St, on the campus of the University of Findlay.
Burial will follow immediately at Maple Grove Cemetery, 1120 West Main Cross Street, Findlay, Ohio 45840.
Though Coach Strahm's remarkable accomplishments earned him national recognition, those who knew him best will remember a man whose greatest victories were measured not in championships, but in lives changed. His legacy of being a father figure, his faith, leadership, service, and love will continue to inspire generations to come.
