Milton ‘Skeets’ Strang of Alliance, 81, passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
Milton was born April 30, 1943, in Madison, South Dakota to Andrew and Margaret (Hoff) Strang. He was the youngest of ten children. With his blonde curly hair and spirited demeanor, he embarked on numerous outdoor adventures during his youth.
Opting out of formal education after the eighth grade, Milton immersed himself in painting jobs around Madison. In 1963, he met the love of his life, Joanne Taylor, when she was walking by a job sight. A catcall whistle drew her attention, and they were married a year later.
In 1967, Milton and Joanne relocated to Alliance, Nebraska, marking the beginning of a new chapter. There, he obtained his GED and discovered his passion for floor installation, eventually establishing himself as a renowned figure in the field due to his kindness, honesty, and professional integrity. Known for his tireless work ethic and unmatched skill, Milton earned the reputation as the hardest worker and the best carpet layer in the Panhandle. Together with Joanne, he co-founded Strang’s Carpet in the early 1990s, a testament to their enduring partnership in both love and business until his retirement in 2022.
Milton cherished his work and family above all else, infusing every moment with joy and adventure. Whether camping, hunting pheasants, watching Husker Football, working in the yard, driving around town in his silver convertible, remodeling the family home, or helping his children with their own house projects, he showed up with a contagious smile, a twinkle in his eye, and a playful wise crack. He and Joanne created a life they loved traveling to all the grandchildren’s extra-curricular activities, as well as trips to Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, and the Bahama’s. They were known for taking off on a whim for random road trip to see loved ones, or just because. Despite his love for studying maps, Milton was notorious for always getting lost on his driving excursions. Yet, he and Joanne always found a way to laugh and enjoy the scenic route.
His boundless love and zest for life touched everyone he met, making them feel valued and cherished. His house was a haven of entertaining conversation, laughter, and love beyond measure. Milton was a one-of-a-kind, amazing man with a beautiful soul that radiated happiness and joy.
Milton leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter that will live on with his wife of 60 years Joanne Strang, children Richard (Tamara) Strang of Greely, Colorado; Troy (Traci) Strang of Alliance; Hope (Sky) Flansburg of Bigfork, Montana; 12 grandchildren Chelsea, Lee, Bryce, Natya, David, Gage, Austin, Santos, Emery, Joslin, Taylor and Morgyn; and 7 great grandchildren Zuri, Sophia, Charlotte, Skylar, William, Theodore, and Juniper, as well as his sister Rose and many nieces, nephews and family friends who respected and adored him. He was preceded in death by his parents, eight siblings and in-laws.
Memorials may be given to Alliance High School Booster Club, St. John’s Lutheran Church, or The Alliance Volunteer Fire Department.
Funeral services will be Friday, May 10 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s United Lutheran Church with Pastor Megan Morrow officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Church’s Facebook, Youtube page and the church website. Burial at the Alliance Cemetery will be at a later date. Visitation will be Thursday, May 9 from 2-7 p.m. with the family being present from 4-6 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.