Bordentown, New Jersey
Oct 3, 1933 – Jun 30, 2015
The Reverend Robert R. Strohl, 81, of Princeton Junction, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro, surrounded by his family. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Southern New Jersey, Pastor Strohl was a graduate of Pleasantville High School and the Valedictorian of Muhlenberg College. He then went on to earn two masters degrees, a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and a Master of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary.
Pastor Strohl served as a minister for many Lutheran congregations in New Jersey since 1956 including St. James, Folsom; St. Paul, Edison; Holy Trinity, Maple Shade; and St. Mark, Hamilton. He worked at the National Church Office of the ELCA in Philadelphia for 14 years after which he did not retire but continued to serve churches as needed, including as the part time Assistant Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church, East Windsor. Pastor Strohl was still active in the church and at the time of his death, he was serving as the pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Perth Amboy.
Son of the late Anna (Schmitt) and Raymond Strohl, predeceased by his loving wife of almost 56 years, Muriel E. Strohl, whom he married in 1957; he is survived by three daughters and their husbands, Ruth Strohl-Palmer and Ken Palmer, Carol and Howard Barina and Janet Strohl-Morgan and James Morgan; his grandchildren, Kyle Robert and Anna Sage Palmer, Emily Ann and Jocelyn Rose Barina and Alex Strohl Gerber; his step grandchildren, Kevin Morgan, Darren and his wife Alyson Morgan and two step great grandchildren, Hazel and Zetta Morgan.
The viewing will be held Monday, July 6th from 2-4 pm and from 7-9 pm at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St. Allentown. The funeral service will be held July 7th at 11 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, One Mile Road Ext., East Windsor, NJ 08520. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the NJ Synod ELCA General Fund, 1930 State Highway 33, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690.
Soon after I was married my husband John and I went to Bob's church one Sunday. During the sermon Bob kept looking down at us. Afterwards he told us he didn't recognize us. My husband had recently got glasses. Bob thought I was there with another man. We all had a good laugh.
Elaine Balinski
June 26, 2020 | Quakertown, PA | Family
Carol & Muriel. I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts & prayers are with you at this time. I am on facebook if you want to get in touch with me. Dottie Conner Las Vegas, NV.
July 21, 2015
My dad and Pastor Strohl were good friends--having both served at Holy Trinity in Maple Shade, NJ in the 1960s. I once remember having a conversation with him and he told me that his father had passed away at a relatively young age. He confessed at the time that because of genetics and family history, he was concerned that he might die at a relatively young age. I'm glad that he was able to live a full and complete life with the blessings of faith, family, and friends all around him. My...
Rick Krause
July 15, 2015 | Magnolia, NJ
Pr. Strohl and Muriel.Mrs. Strohl is wearing one of her handmade scarves. They did everything together. Here they are posing on St. John's organ bench
Pastor Strohl served our congregation faithfully for 46 years. He was the longest-serving minister in our 100 years of history. He first came to St. John's in 1969, and was serving in his chosen profession until the last week of his life. He served as a minister since 1956, beginning at St. James Lutheran Church in Folsom, NJ - a ministry spanning almost 60 years. He loved music and hymns of all kinds, and would share anecdotes about the authors of our Sunday's hymns from memory. He loved...
St. John's Lutheran Church
July 07, 2015 | Perth Amboy, NJ
My condolences to your family. Pastor Strohl was a remarkable and kind man.
Jody Pribbernow (van de Sande)
July 07, 2015 | Coatesville, PA
Dear Ruth, Carol and Janet, I was so sorry to hear about Bob's passing. The past few years we only wrote to my cousin during the holidays. I know your dad is with your mom in heaven. My prayers are with all of you. God bless. Love Elaine
Elaine Balinski
July 06, 2015 | Quakertown, PA
Dear Ruth, Carol, Janet and Family,
My heart if heavy as is your's at losing your father, my cousin and special friend.
Rememer the good imes with your dad, mon and my Chuck. We laughed so much. Fond membories never to be forgotten.
Just a wonderful person.
My love and the best to everyone.
Cousin Joan
Joan Torres
July 05, 2015 | Naples, FL
Sending Love, Light and Prayers for Ruth and the entire family. May your hearts be comforted knowing your Dad is STILL with you in Spirit form. He 'will never leave you nor forsake you.'
Lucinda Weller
July 03, 2015 | Trenton, NJ
My deepest sympathies to the Strohl family. Rev. Strohl was one of the nicest people I ever met. May he rest in peace.
David Kaplan
July 03, 2015 | Hamilton, NJ
