Charles Louis Strehli

Chuck lived his life to the fullest, passionately embodying love, kindness, and laughter. To all of us, he was a leader by example, a motivator, counselor, and above all, friend. He embraced life optimistically, achieving every goal he set, both big and small. He had a deep and genuine interest in the people he encountered throughout his life. Engaging others from an authentic place, often creating meaningful connections—whether they lasted a moment, a decade, or a lifetime. Rather than seeking to be the center of attention, Chuck consistently prioritized showing interest in others. This quality was evident throughout his life, from his childhood to his college years, military service, his Amway business, involvement in clubs, and participation in church. Chuck was intentional about maintaining relationships and staying connected with his friends.

Born on March 25, 1936, in Lubbock, Texas, to Alfred and Beatriz Strehli, Chuck was influenced by West Texas culture that emphasized and prioritized love of God, family, and country. His Christian faith was important to him. As a youth, Chuck embraced the Episcopal Church and was instrumental in his family also becoming Episcopalian. He held the church’s liturgy in high regard and strongly believed that the church’s mission must be grounded in the tenets of the gospel and not in the personality of the priest. In Austin, he and his family were active members at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and later, active members of St. David’s Episcopal Church. Chuck was also a member of a weekly ecumenical Men’s Bible Study for over twenty years.

Chuck was devoted to his family as a son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. For 65 years, Chuck, and his wife Jean, journeyed together as life partners. They partnered in their faith, as parents, and in business. They even partnered in their devotion to their university’s alma mater, Texas Tech. Later in life, Chuck would serve on Texas Tech’s National Alumni Association Board as well as leading the local chapter of the TTU Chancellor’s Council. Both Chuck and Jean love Texas Tech. After all, it was where they first met and fell in love. They were married on June 6, 1959.

After graduating from Texas Tech, Chuck served in the U.S. Army being deployed to Europe until 1963. Serving his country was a duty and honor. He was a lover of freedom and of his country, a devotion enhanced through participation in the Boy Scouts culminating in earning the rank of Eagle Scout. After Chuck completed his military tour, he finished his service as an Army Reservist. In 1969, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.

Upon returning from Europe, he attended and graduated from The University of Texas Law School, passing the bar shortly thereafter. While in law school, Chuck embarked on a remarkable entrepreneurial journey, starting his own independent Amway business. With Jean, they achieved extraordinary success, introducing others to the benefits of business ownership, and becoming among the first to reach the highest levels in Amway. Over the course of 60 years, their business expanded from the United States to a worldwide enterprise. Chuck’s entrepreneurial journey began in his youth, selling shoes, demonstrating and selling yo-yo’s, teaching swimming and diving lessons, and providing entertainment at birthday parties as a puppeteer. These early experiences taught him that with determination, dedication, and discipline, he could achieve his goal of becoming his own boss—and he did just that.

While in law school, he developed a love for sailing, learning to sail on Lake Travis. After he and Jean started their family, they bought a sailboat aptly named Enterprise, which provided much fun for family and friends. This passion eventually led to the purchase of the CLS Dreamer, a 44-foot sailboat which was docked in Hope Town, Bahamas. Countless summers were spent with family and friends sailing in the Abaco Islands, where Chuck shared with others this same joy for adventure -- not only through sailing, but also scuba diving, snorkeling and windsurfing. He combined his love for family, business, and skiing, into a yearly event called Ski Glo, which has continued for over 55 years, including four generations of participating families. Chuck and Jean developed lifelong friendships through The Gee tennis group that played together for more than 20 years. He organized adventures for the group, blending his love for tennis and travel. In his early 60s, Chuck took up golf, which he pursued diligently, expanding his community to include the Wolf Pack golf group and the Hills Country Club.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Jean, of 65 years; their daughter, Tamara Strehli and husband, Ben Hubert; their son, Scott and wife, Shannon; four grandchildren, Ellie, Nicholas, Amelia, and Christiana; his brother Al Strehli, sister Angela Strehli, and her husband Bob Brown.

Chuck loved life and embraced it to the fullest. He will be deeply missed by many.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held on Saturday, February 8th, 11:30 am, at St David’s Episcopal Church. Located at 301 E. 8th Street, Austin, TX 78701. Please have floral arrangements delivered to St. David's Episcopal Church.