Richard A. Strubbe

1944 - 2009

Richard A. Strubbe, 64, of rural Chapin, passed away at his home on Sunday, July 19, 2009, after battling non-smokers lung cancer.

He was born Aug. 11, 1944, at Passavant Hospital in Jacksonville, the youngest son of Edward and Ruth Lillie (Hayes) Strubbe. He married Jeanne Pence on July 22, 1978, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, and she survives.

He is also survived by his beloved children, daughters, Sarah Elizabeth Strubbe of rural Chapin and Stephanie Erin Leefers (husband, Dustin) of Springfield; son, Craig Trowbridge of Jacksonville; and grandson, Michael Trowbridge of Winchester.

Also surviving are three sisters, Mary Zenge (husband, Keith) and Donna Moody of Jacksonville and Delores Lindsay of Dubuque, Iowa; two brothers, Larry Strubbe (wife, Nancy) of rural Jacksonville and Joseph Strubbe (wife, Karen) of Costa Mesa, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers-in-law, Vernon Opperman, Kawyn Moody and Herbert Lindsay.

Rich graduated from Ashland High School in 1962. He truly enjoyed his life-long occupation as a farmer. He always enjoyed the spring season on the farm, using his talent to till and plant new life.

He served his country proudly in Vietnam as a member of the 1st Cavalry Division/A-227 as a crew chief on a Huey Helicopter from 1965-1967. He suffered a broken neck on Oct. 9, 1966, when his helicopter crashed in dense fog as a result of pilot error.

He was a life-long member of Salem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville. Rich was a member of Illinois Valley Lutherans for Life, Lutherans for Life of Illinois, and also the national Lutherans for Life. Until his illness prevented him from attending, he enjoyed his twice-monthly trips to Quincy to talk and share thoughts with a group of Vietnam veterans.

Mr. Strubbe enjoyed traveling and visiting new places. One of his favorite trips was taken in the summer of 2008 when he traveled by family van, along with his wife, Jeanne, and siblings Donna, Delores and Joe, to Alaska.

He loved time spent with family and playing card games, eating good food and laughter.
During his illness, his faith in God never wavered. He knew God was in control and would give him the strength to face his illness.

A funeral service for Richard A. Strubbe was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2009, at Salem Lutheran Church, Jacksonville. The Rev. Paul Koschmann presented the sermon message and the Rev. Peter Brechbuhl assisted with scripture readings. Music included “Lift High the Cross,� “Beautiful Savior,� “Children of the Heavenly Father� and “A Mighty Fortress.� Alex Gerberding of St. Louis played “Amazing Grace� on bagpipes while leading the pall and family from the church. Pallbearers were Ken Moody, Larry G. Strubbe, Scott Strubbe, Doug Strubbe, Aaron Strubbe and David Schutz. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Gary Vortman, Randy Duvendack, Roger Ore, Steve Richardson, Ed Scott and Jerry Reno. Banner bearers were nieces Kaila and Deb Strubbe and cross bearer was grandson, Michael Trowbridge. Ushers were Karmy Schone and Rod Wellenkamp. Burial was at Liberty Cemetery, west of Jacksonville, with full military rites performed by the Morgan County Combined Ceremonial Team with Ralph Johnson, commander. Officer of the day was Richard’s brother, Larry Strubbe. The Illinois National Guard Military Funeral Honors Program of Springfield performed the flag folding ceremony and presentation. Doug Sherwin of O’Fallon, Mo., played “Taps.� Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville was in charge of services. Memorials are suggested to Illinois Valley Lutherans for Life or to the Edward & Ruth Strubbe Non-Member Tuition Endowment for Salem Lutheran School. Condolences may be left at www.buchanancody.com.