Nathaniel Stroup

Petoskey attorney Nathaniel Weller “Mike” Stroup III died October 29, 2015 at the age of 84 at Hiland House in Petoskey. 

Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, July 8, 1931, Mike was the only child of Mabel (Robbins) Stroup and Nathaniel W. Stroup II. He acquired three step-sisters from his mother’s re-marriage to Colonel James Bishop.

He graduated cum laude from Culver Military Academy in 1949, where he was known to his classmates as “Nate.” He attended Colgate University on a National War Memorial Scholarship, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1953. Mike served his country as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 until 1955. He received a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1958. Mike was a member of Alpha Tau Omega, Phi Delta Phi law fraternity, and Phi Beta Kappa.

He practiced law in Detroit until joining attorney John S. Clark in Petoskey. Clark, Stroup evolved over the years to become Stroup Meengs, PC, the oldest law firm in Petoskey. He was ably assisted at the firm by his legal secretary of 38 years, Serena. In retirement, Mike remained an active mentor and role model for attorneys in the firm; his wisdom, wit, and eloquence will be missed both within the firm and in the legal community.

He was active in the State Bar of Michigan, serving as Treasurer and on the Executive Committee, and came within 1 vote of being President of the State Bar. Mike was also admitted to practice in the United States Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. He was a past President of the Emmet-Charlevoix Bar Association.

Petoskey residents will remember Mike’s reputation as a fierce litigator. Mike sued the city of Petoskey in the Supreme Court of Michigan to prevent it from selling the land above Sunset Park to a hotel chain. Mike also lobbied successfully to prevent downtown merchants from paving Pennsylvania Park for a parking lot. He later served as Petoskey’s City Attorney. Mike was active in the Republican Party, serving as Emmet County Chairman and delegate to the state convention.

Mike passionately pursued his interests in the law, politics, books, food, travel, sailing, and supporting the Second Amendment.

He was active in the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club, Little Traverse Yacht Club, and the NRA.

His first marriage was to Gail Winningham, the mother of his two sons. In 1974, he married law partner Barbara B. MacKenzie, who later served on the Michigan Court of Appeals. Judge MacKenzie preceded him in death in 2008.

He subsequently married Virginia G. Hume and they enjoyed 7 years together in Harbor Springs/Petoskey. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons Paul W. Stroup, and grandson Charles R. Stroup; son James W. (Jane) Stroup and grandchildren Michael and Gabriella Stroup; by stepchildren Robert W. (Sadhana) MacKenzie; James D. MacKenzie (Barrie Bates); William H. Carter; Laurissa C. (James) Wendland and stepgrandchildren James S. Jr. and Peter G. Wendland; Matthew R. (Connie) and stepgrandchildren Allison and Matthew Carter, Jr; Peter A. Carter; Mark G. (Mollie) Carter and stepgrandchildren John G. and Caroline M. Carter; and M. Kathryn (Charles) Ransford and stepgrandchildren William G., Peter A., and James P. Ransford.

There will be a funeral mass, Saturday, October 31, 2015 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Petoskey at 1:00 p.m. with an hour gathering prior to the service. Father Greg Brown is officiating the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church Endowment Fund at Petoskey-Harbor Springs Community Foundation or to the conservative political cause of your choice.

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