Kim Strieter

He is survived by his two sons, Robert Strieter and Connor Strieter; his bonus children, Gabrielle Beaudoin and Al Chapman; siblings, Ted (Kay) Strieter, Doug (Jane) Strieter, Kristine Michaelson, Kathy (Allen) Salmela, and Susan Strieter; sister-in-laws, Gloria Strieter and Sue Strieter; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Strieter and Lucille (Kauppila) Strieter; siblings, Karen Statler, Jan Strieter, and Richard Strieter; sister-in-law, Sharon Strieter; and brother-in-law, Dewey Statler.

Kim was born on April 11, 1955, in Calumet. He attended Dollar Bay-Tamarack City Area Schools, and was an active member of the school band. Growing up, Kim was always playing music. He was an exceptional tuba player, but also learned to play the bass, accordion, banjo, and numerous other instruments.

Following his love for music, specifically the tuba, Kim enlisted in the United States Army, where he became a musician in the 298th Army Band. From there, he performed in Germany, Austria, and other parts of Europe – something he was extremely proud of.

Following his military service, Kim became a well-known musician in the community. He performed with Brian Junttika, the Polka Kings, Polka Dots, Bill Stimac, and several others. Most notably was with his closest friend, Benji Brotherton, and the infamous Clown Band that continues to play for parades, concerts, and street performances.

In 1987, Kim married Robynn Lambert. In 1992, they had their son, Robert. After separating, Kim met Jennifer Chapman, where he became a bonus dad to her two children, Al and Gabby. In 2004, his second son, Connor, was born.

Kim’s children always came first. He didn’t have a lot of money, but if he saw a book or a gadget he thought someone might like, he’d make sure to pick it up.

He had a passion for music, something he worked hard to instill in his oldest son, Robert. He had a wealth of history and family knowledge, something he made sure to share with both of his sons, but especially his youngest son, Connor.

Kim had a lot of hobbies aside from music. He was also a huge space nerd. He would often wake his kids up in the middle of the night (often by bugle-call) if something cool was happening in the sky.

He was an outdoorsman, who loved hunting, fishing, and being in nature. He taught his kids to make their own flies for fly-fishing and encouraged them to appreciate the outdoors.

He also loved to cook, bowl, collect antiques, brew beer, garden, craft, play video games, and always rooted for the Detroit Red Wings and Green Bay Packers.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, at the Pearce Funeral Home in Lake Linden, with a Service of Remembrance to begin at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for monetary assistance to help cover funeral expenses. Donations can be made directly to Pearce Funeral home, or to the family’s GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kim-mark-strieter.