Wendell LeRoy Strike of La Cresta, California, formerly of Isanti, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday December 31, 2024. There will be a joint graveside Memorial Service for Wendell and Linda at the Strike Cemetery, Isanti Minnesota, on July 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
Wendell was born on March 19, 1944 in Isanti, to Bernice and George Strike. He was the second of four boys. He graduated from Cambridge High School with the class of 1962. In 1966 he was united in marriage at Faith Lutheran in Isanti to Linda E Johnson, his high school sweetheart. Wendell studied computer engineering and initially worked for McDonnell Douglas aircraft in St Louis on the design of a “thrust glide re-entry vehicle” later known as the space shuttle. Subsequently he and Linda moved to Southern California where Wendell was a founding officer of CADO Systems minicomputer and software company. At that time Linda earned her doctorate in immunology. She specialized in blood banking and health care consulting. Southern California was to become their new and permanent home.
Wendell and Linda were life and traveling partners beginning with high school dates to the airport to weave their dreams. Throughout their lives they traveled extensively to western and eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, South America and Mexico. Their hobbies included tropical fish, sailing, and boat building. Later they concentrated on Southwest art and book collecting.
Until Linda’s death in 2016, the couple was very involved in development of breeding standards for the new Havanese dog breed for the American Kennel Club and the Havanese Club of Southern California. Linda taught judging standards and edited the Havanese Journal. They won several grand champions with their dogs.
Wendell is survived by his brothers, Ronald (Karen D) Strike of Round Lake MN, Dr. David (Debbie) Strike of Colorado Springs CO, and sister-in-law Karen M. Strike of Isanti.
Wendell was preceded in death by his wife, Dr. Linda E. Strike, his parents, George and Bernice, and his nephew Martin Strike. On January 4, 2025 his brother Norman Strike also passed away. Linda Strike was preceded in death by her father, Senator Ralph Johnson and her mother, Ruby Johnson.
Hate too see a fellow classmate depart us! Hadn’t seen him since graduation, but still remember him well! RIP
I am a realtor in La Cresta, California, and I listed Wendell’s house for sale in June of 2024. We spent a lot of time with Wendell to prepare his home for sale. He became a family friend and we often had him over for dinner or a cup of coffee. His passing was a heartbreak for us. The property here in La Cresta was sold this week and we said our final farewell. Rest in Peace, Wendell!