Robert Strodel

PEORIA - Peoria attorney Robert C. Strodel passed away Monday, June 8, 2015, in Peoria, Ill. He was 84.

Born Aug. 12, 1930, in Evanston, Ill., to Imogen (Board) Strodel and Carl F. Strodel, he was a 1952 graduate of Northwestern University, a 1955 graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and was admitted to the Illinois Bar that same year.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, and afterwards in the Army Reserves.

Bob married Mary Alice (Shonkwiler) Strodel on June 17, 1956, in Monticello, Ill.

He is survived by his wife and his three daughters, Julie Olson of Wilmette, Ill., Lindy Strodel of Tinley Park, Ill., and Sally Munn of Bethesda, Md.; plus three granddaughters, Kathryn Olson, Lindsey Olson and Taylor Munn.

Strodel was a former Assistant State's Attorney, and his private practice focused on civil litigation and personal injury litigation. He authored and published two books on the acquisition and use of medical evidence.

Strodel was professionally active in many ways, including membership in the Bars of the U.S. Supreme Court, 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. District Courts for Northern and Central Illinois, The Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and the Illinois State Bar Association. He was a Lifetime Fellow of the Roscoe Pound Institute and a Founding Sponsor of the National Civil Justice Foundation, which elected him Trustee (1996) and President (1998 and 1999).

In addition, Strodel was active in many Peoria area organizations, including the Peoria Jaycees, which honored him in 1964 as the Outstanding Young Man of the Year. He also led the fundraising and building of the Military Services Memorial Plaza on the Peoria Riverfront, was active with the German American Society in Peoria and was a referee at area high school football games.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Peoria on Saturday, June 27, at 10 a.m., with a visitation and reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Heart of Illinois United Way, the Salvation Army Heartland Division, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, the German American Society or a charity of the donor's choice.

The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co., Pekin/Peoria, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at csmico.com.