Charlotte Elizabeth Eklund Strauss Lytikainen was born to Eric and Hilda Eklund on March 21, 1924 in Conneaut, Ohio. She passed away March 16, 2021 at nearly 97 years of age.

Charlotte is preceded in death by her three brothers, Paul, Harry and Allen (Skip) Eklund as well as her parents. In addition, she lost her beloved husbands, Marvin Strauss (1961); Paul Lytikainen (1999) and her son, Mark Strauss (2020). She was the proud mother of Timothy (Debbie) Strauss of Troy, Michigan, Todd (Laurie) Strauss of Central Lake, Michigan, Curtis Strauss of Lithuania, Janet (Paul) Kruska of Sheperd, Michigan, Paul (Cheri) Lytikainen of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Rob (Jeannie) Lytikainen of Colorado. She had eleven grandchildren: Erin (Fred) Loucks, Curtis Strauss, Evan (Ryan McBride) Strauss, Meghan (Justin) Valantas, Rachel (Travis) Hatt, Andrea (Evan Hadd) Strauss, Christopher Lytikainen, Matt (Nyssa) Lytikainen, Mallory (Keith) Lemley, Jeff (Carrie) Kruska, Phil Kruska. She enjoyed the arrival of eight great-grandchildren: Harper, Griffin, and Finn Loucks, Derrick and Vinny Valantas, Naomi and Eliora Lytikainen and Sophie Hatt.

Charlotte started her nursing education at Suomi College in Hancock, Michigan and then attended the University of Michigan. Her education was interrupted when she contracted TB in her early 20's. She resumed her education at Schoolcraft College and graduated with her Nursing Degree in 1970. She worked at Redford Community Hospital for several years. Charlotte loved traveling, fishing, gardening, knitting, singing in the choir, crossword puzzles, volunteering at the Finnish Center and was hard to beat at scrabble! She enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

She always had a strong faith in God and loved her church family dearly. The world has been influenced in a positive light by this strong Finnish woman! She celebrated her Finnish heritage by attending many cultural events and donating countless hours to the Finn Center.

A celebration of Charlotte's life will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

You may join the service virtually via zoom as follows:

Join Zoom Meeting ** Please type in meeting ID and passcode if you issues.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87504938188?pwd=UmtVSWNBMDZXWnJzREJ1Tno2VDdTZz09

Meeting ID: 875 0493 8188
Passcode: 588838

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to: The Christian Children's Fund or Emmanuel Lutheran Church 34567 Seven Mile Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152; or the Finnish Center, 35200 W. 8 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48335