Michael Timothy “Tim” Stracener, 60, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 26, 2013, in Southaven, Miss.

He was born on July 9, 1953, in Cairo, Ill., to William McKinley and Eva Earnestine Stracener.

Though born in Illinois, Tim grew up in the Bay Area in California. He was an avid surfer and automotive enthusiast. He moved to the Flathead Valley in 1981 where he met his soon-to-be wife, Marsha, at a singles group at New Covenant Fellowship. They were married on Dec. 18, 1982. Michael was born in 1984 and Ivy in 1986.

Tim would go on to pastor at New Covenant for the next 28 years as well as working full time in the construction trades. While many homes and businesses in the Flathead Valley and beyond bear his craftsmanship, his passion was ministry. In 2010, he and Marsha moved to Mississippi where he continued to minister and “equip the saints.” He lived and loved full on and is cherished by those he left behind.

Tim is survived by his mother Earnestine, his wife Marsha, daughter Ivy, son and daughter-in-law Michael and Jeneah; Tim’s siblings, Beth McMurtry, Cindy Gray, Dan, Matt and their families; his in-laws, Dewey and Tiny Levitt; and his wife’s siblings, Leslie Toman and Rod Levitt and their families. He is also outlived by many close friends and family.

Funeral services for Tim will be held at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at New Covenant Church on Birch Grove Road. Visitation will be at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in the Glacier Memorial Gardens.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Tim’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Tim’s tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.