Bruce Edward Strosnider

Bruce Strosnider, 83, passed away April 12, 2026, in Olalla, Washington. Born Nov. 25, 1942, to Walter and Eileen Strosnider in St. Louis, Bruce lived a life enriched by education, art, travel, and a deep appreciation for literature.

Bruce spent his early years in St. Louis, where he attended elementary and high school before pursuing higher education at the University of Missouri in Columbia. There, he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in English literature. He also taught English at Kemper Military School in Boonville, Missouri, for three years.

In 1973, Bruce relocated to Port Orchard, Washington, where he began a long career teaching English at South Kitsap High School. In his later career, Bruce found fulfillment teaching in the district's alternative high school Discovery program. His dedication to education left an indelible mark on countless students.

As Nat Smith, one of his former students who also became a teacher put it, “Thinking of him reminds me of why I still teach and what I hope to accomplish with at least some of my kids.” Bruce retired from teaching in 1998.

Bruce’s personal life was equally rich and fulfilling. He met Ann Showalter in 1969 while they were both graduate students at the University of Missouri. The couple married on Dec. 27 of that year at Ann’s parents’ home in Bethesda, Maryland. Their shared love of travel took them on numerous adventures over the decades.

From their first trip to Europe in 1970 — exploring Paris and London — to later journeys through Iceland, France, Italy, Turkey and the Greek Islands, their travels were a testament to their curiosity and love for experiencing new cultures. A particularly memorable trip included renting Julia Child’s former residence in Provence in 2016.

After moving to Port Orchard, Bruce and Ann purchased property in Southworth and collaborated with teacher and builder John Riebli to construct their mid-century modern-style home in 1976 — a home that became a cherished space for creativity and connection.

Bruce had many passions that defined his life outside of teaching. In his youth, he was an avid weightlifter who competed across the Midwest with great success. At just 15 years old, he was featured in Strength and Health magazine’s "1958 Self Improvement Contest," which highlighted his remarkable progress as a lifter.

His love for physical strength was matched by his intellectual pursuits; Bruce had a lifelong appreciation for art and sculpture. After moving to Washington state, he developed an interest in Northwest Coast Indian art and studied under renowned local artist Doug Granum. This passion inspired him to create numerous works of art himself — including masks and even a totem pole.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Ann; his sister Susan Maehl and her husband Ron of Palos Verdes Estates, California; nephew Eric Maehl of Utah; and niece Julia Wills of Torrance, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Wally.

Bruce was diagnosed with dementia in 2022, and last year, after complications following hip replacement surgery, moved into Memory Care at Park Vista in Port Orchard. After a serious fall and hospitalization, he was moved to an adult family home in Olalla. He was under Hospice care when he died. His family would like to extend their appreciation for the care Bruce received from Park Vista, Family First Adult Family Homes and Kaiser Hospice.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

A celebration of life is planned for May. Watch this website for information on the date, time and place.