Photo courtesy of HILDEBRAND - RUSS FUNERAL HOME - Rhinelander
Jul 23, 1961 - Jan 2, 2025
Rest in peace my baby brother
Gina Granberg carbone
June 24, 2025 | Arlington Heights, IL | Friend
Rich was like a brother to me and I still can't belueve he's gone. Him and I had so many good times together besides living with each other for awhile and him being my son's godfather. He will always be in my heart.
Patricia Granberg
March 24, 2025 | Chicago, IL | Family
I knew him and Remembered him, when he would come into McDonald’s in Iron River. He was always happy and cheerful and I remember talking to him on different occasions about Farah faucets hair. It’s Funny, But even time and distance, I still think of him. He was a good guy. He will be missed
Stephanie Hill
January 25, 2025 | CA | Acquaintance
I attended Trans with Rich. I am a few years older but knew him and his family well. Our Moms were great friends and Dads grew up together. Chester Sr. was a wonderful polka dancer and a good man. Our families met outside of Sunday mass most every week. God Bless You, Rich and your family ❤.
Margie Otoole (Rzdzki )
January 07, 2025 | Midlothian, IL | Friend
To Richard's family my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. The Stroka family was well-known and respected at Transfiguration School. May God hold him in the palm of His hands.
Paula Milhizer
January 07, 2025 | Chicago, IL | Teacher
My condolences to the Stroka family on the passing of Richard. Was a classmate of Butch at Transfiguration 1970.
Thomas Keegan
January 07, 2025 | Palos Hills, IL | Acquaintance
I was sad to see that Rich had passed. We went to school together at Transfiguration. He was a year ahead of me. We all hung out together and Rich got me good one Halloween with a nice egg wash. I told him that, "one day, one day I'll get you back when you least expect it". That day never came but the memory will be with me always. Rest in peace Rich. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Diane Ortman
Transfiguration class of 76
Diane Ortman
January 07, 2025 | Prospect Hts, IL | Friend
We were sorry to hear of Richs passing. We remember the Stroka family from Transfiguration of our Lord. Rest in Peace Richard.
The Elarde Family
Mary Elarde-Yonker
January 07, 2025 | Palos Heights, IL | Classmate
Deep condolences from barbara edwards, member of rogus and peterson family, the foster floral shop.
Barbara Edwards
January 07, 2025 | Big Timber, MT | Family
Richard Michael Stroka
"Rich"
July 23, 1961 ~ January 2, 2025
Age ~ 63
Richard Stroka breathed his last breath just after the new year on January 2, 2025. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 23, 1961, to proud parents Chester and Marilyn Stroka. He attended elementary school at Transfiguration and graduated from St Benedict High School in Chicago. He later relocated to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where he resided until his passing.
Richard’s joyful spirit, towering presence, and contagious laughter brightened the mood of any space. He always made time for others and listened with interest. He often shared amusing stories from his youth growing up in Chicago with his younger sister, and older brothers. Richard loved animals and they loved him. Included among the many dogs and cats he befriended and cared for throughout his life were Fritzy, Baby, Callie Cat and Sadie.
Richard will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He loved his family and friends and made a point to stay connected no matter the distance. He was the beloved brother of Chester (Mary), John (Cheryl) and Barbara, most loved uncle of Holly, Emily, Danielle, Joshua, Tony and Meagan, and great uncle of Gabriella, Adam, Isziah, Zach and Kahlia.
Richard was blessed with the love and adoration of his “second” mom Sabra, his lifelong best friend Pat and was the proud Godfather of Thomas, Emily and Patrick.
A celebration of Richards life will be held July 2025.
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