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Chris Strobel Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Chris Strobel
December 3, 2016
Sorry for your loss Mason and Vaughn
Michael Winge
January 17, 2015
I have never nor did I ever meet Christopher Strobel...
Growing up in the eighties Amanda Strobel and I happened to live in the same town in the Northwestern Suburbs of Chicago and because our childhood homes both fell within School District 11 boundaries we attended the same schools but it's in recent years actually that I have gotten the opportunity to get to know her a little better and when you're pals with someone and begin to care about them then you can't help but also begin to care about the people that they care about and the people that they love and that love them in return. Learning that Amanda's husband had passed away was absolutely crushing in every sense of the word. I felt crushed for my friend, I felt crushed for her two boys and I felt crushed for the whole of Chris's family.
How do you measure a man's life? What is the measure of a man anyway? I believe that I feel the answer can be different things to different people at different times. There is an old Mother Teresa quote of which the exact phrasing eludes me at this moment but the basic sentiment as I remember it is very simple and quite to the point. Essentially it suggests that the time spent in judgment of another human being leaves little time to know them and certainly no time to love them. I like that. That's the kind of perspective I can get with... be onboard with... and stay that course God willing. I am a man but I am only a man and there by unable to make any such measurements with any real legitimacy as my gut has always told me anyway that these things are best left to the Good Lord and like I said, I have never nor was I ever lucky enough to meet Christopher.
Having said that... I would like to share if I may, just a couple of observations I made while at the wake for Christopher unbiased except by my own experience.
* I have never seen in my life a line of people so long... It was out the door at times and seemed to be just mind bogglingly infinite for the most part. I thought clearly this was a man of great depth and one who was greatly loved. It also occurred to me that calculating the amount of lives Chris must have touched just by being alive and just by being himself would probably be impossible.
* I had a chance to see the many photographs of Chris while at the wake last January and looking at them I was immediately aware of one commonality throughout... This man's smile. This unbelievable bigger than life and bigger than the sky is wide smile. This kid absolutely glowed... and what's more is that he glowed with a grin that would make Tom Cruise's best 'Risky Business' smile look like a grotesque brooding frown.
Even now in the quiet of the morning as I silently and awkwardly wrestle my thoughts down here I can plainly see the photograph image of Christopher pictured above on this very site and it's hard to miss and even harder to ignore... because well, it's ALL smile. Can't even begin to imagine Christopher and his smile in person though I venture that it must have been electrifying...
Amanda, Mason, Vaughn... I think about you three more than you know and wherever my thoughts are and wherever my prayers are... you are also there.
Wholeheartedly and reverently yours,
your friend Punk,
always,
Michael
Heather Martin
February 15, 2014
So saddened by this news. I pray for Chris' entire family during this difficult time.
Bob Reynolds
February 14, 2014
I knew Chris in high school. He was always smiling, laughing and never in a bad mood. We reconnected on Facebook and judging by his posts and photos he hadn't changed a bit. My sincere condolences to his family in this difficult time.
Maureen Barnett
February 11, 2014
Amanda, I am so sorry to hear about Chris. We worked together a long time ago and had connected on face book a few years back. I loved seeing his posts about how much he loved you and the boys! He was a great friend with a great sense of humor! I am praying for you and the boys!
Randal Rimkus
February 11, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Chris and was very saddened by this news. My prayers are with you and your family.
Connie and Dave Jacobs
February 7, 2014
Amanda, we just heard of this tragic news. We are stunned and so very sorry for your loss. Chris will be deeply missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Kathy and Ralph Payton
February 3, 2014
It is so difficult to even try to comfort Amanda and Chris's family for such a terrible loss. We too lost a member of our family much too young. Don't ever stop looking for the signs of his presence and know that he is always with you...Though you may not hear the bird singing...if you listen with your heart, you will always hear his song.
Amy Kovacs
January 26, 2014
Amanda,
I am very sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Patrick R
January 22, 2014
Condolences to the family.
Edison Park loses another one way
too soon. Rip Chris
AdvaCare Systems Rockford Team
January 22, 2014
Words cannot not express our feelings for Chris' family. Our deepest sympathies.
michael brannigan
January 22, 2014
Sorry for your loss Chris will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers our with you and your family.
Chris Kwasinski
January 21, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the entire Strobel family. Lots of great memories from IC and the Chicago Bulldogs. Heaven gained a great guy. Rest in peace, Chris
Kimmy Seifert
January 21, 2014
I have lost my baby brother to a sudden death in march of 2013..life is just not fair.. I'm praying for you and your family strenghth..I went to school anthony salerno and wanted to comment..he must've been an amazing out of site beautiful person..My analogy..why God wanted such a beautiful angel..Thinkinking and praying for u.. Sending hugs your way..I'm sorry for your loss.
Melissa Langdon
January 21, 2014
I'm very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for your family. May Chris rest in peace.
January 21, 2014
Amanda and boys, though I never had the pleasure of meeting you, Chris was old school friend of my younger brother Michael. They had the same birthday, and I know Michael cherished that close bond. When we would all go up to our cottage in Whitewater, no one could ever sleep. Between my now husband Steve and Chris, the house would shake with the snoring. It's those and many more good, funny memories that I will remember. My prayers are with you.
Jacqui Obartuch-Sesso
January 21, 2014
Amanda and family-- I am so sorry for your tragic loss. May your memories give you some solace in your time of grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Christine Kim
Greg Love
January 21, 2014
I remember how you always made everyone laugh Saturday afternoons watching college footbal at the Taj Mahal. God bless and RIP Buddy.
January 21, 2014
God Bless you and your family during this difficult time.
Carolyn Schwartz and family
Jack and Tammi Rohlfing
January 21, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Strobel family. We are very sorry for the loss of such a great husband and father. Chris was always a smiling face at the football field. We all will miss him.
Rhonda George
January 21, 2014
Amanda, Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your husband. Blessing to you and your sons and family during this very difficult time. May his memory be eternal.
January 21, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Chris was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.
Gina Alessia
January 21, 2014
Prayers and thoughts to all who knew and loved Chris. May the memories and love you shared help you find peace at this difficult time.
Jennifer Randolph
Erin Sanders
January 21, 2014
I never saw Chris without a smile on his face. My deepest sympathies to his wife and sons.
Chris Pagani
January 21, 2014
What can I say about Chris that hasn't already been said. What a great person. Memories from going to Lacrosse Wis. to play in the Stars of Tomorrow baseball tournment and winning it all to our days at ISU will be cherished forever. Miss you and may you Rest in Peace my friend.
Love ya,
Chris P
Rita Maczka
January 21, 2014
I deeply sorry for your loss. I pray God will grant you all strength to get through this time of loss. Love and hugs. Rita Maczka
Steve and Shannon (Duffy) Vrbancic
January 20, 2014
Our deepest sympathies to Amanda, Mason, Vaughn and the entire Strobel family.You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May his memory be eternal.
January 20, 2014
May the memories of which you shared with Chris remain close to your heart. Having a person of whom you loved dearly fall asleep in death is never easy. Therefore, may you take comfort in knowing that God cares for you and is there for you. 1 PET 5:7. -- D
Terri (Bednarz) Baumgartner
January 20, 2014
Sending thoughts and prayers for the family. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Kimberly Dwyer-Johnson
January 20, 2014
Shocked and saddened to hear the passing of Chris. Classmates at IC, he always had a smile and laugh that could fill up a room. Reconnected on FB and you could just see from his posts how happy he was, and how much he loved Amanda and the boys. May his love for life remain in your hearts and may you find comfort in knowing he is at rest and watching over you.
Tom Butterfield
January 20, 2014
Chris was great classmate and friend to all of us who knew him at IC and ND. He always had a smile and his laughter was contagious. Our heart goes out to his family. Rest in peace Chris.
January 20, 2014
Words cannot express our sympathy as our hearts go out to Amanda, the boys, and their family. Chris was a devoted father, husband, and dedicated employee. We will miss your humor and smile that you brought to this world everyday. Buddy, you're the best. Larry Feldman and Norm Friedman
Alison Jordan
January 20, 2014
My family and I are sending our condolences and prayers as you grieve. Chris and I were classmates at Thomas Edison Elementary School and had the opportunity to reconnect on Facebook. Even back in elementary school, Chris had a contagious smile and you couldn't help but smile when you were around him. I enjoyed looking at the photos of his family and it was clear that he totally loved his life. I will continue to keep the family in my prayers to be surrounded with loving and comforting support as they grieve their terrible loss. God Bless.
Maura Collins
January 20, 2014
I have fond memories of Chris from high school.....the nicest guy with the greatest smile. Through Facebook it was wonderful to see his continued enthusiasm for life and devotion to his beloved wife, Amanda and sons, Mason and Vaughn. My heartfelt sympathy to his family at such a sorrowful time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Skaggs
January 20, 2014
The picture of him smiling on this page is exactly the Chris I knew since we started working together in 1995. I chuckle at the only time I ever saw him lose his cool when we played a practical joke on him at work one day. Once he found out it was a joke he laughed along with us. He had a sunny attitude and was happy and smiling all of the time. He would light up any room he was in and everyone liked him. Though I have never met you Amanda, or yours and Chris' boys, it was obvious how much he loved you all. My heart goes out to you and I am praying for peace for all of Chris' family.
John Butterfield
January 20, 2014
Chris was a great guy with a great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and boys at this difficult time. He will be missed.
Kevin Kelly
January 20, 2014
Gone way to soon Chris. My heart goes out to your wife and kids. Had some great times with you in grade school and high school. You were one of those guys that never seemed to be in a bad mood. Rest in peace CS. Your old friend KK.
Danielle Perns
January 20, 2014
Dearest Family of Chris,
I have many fond memories from elementary school with Chris. He was always the nicest boy who turned into such a wonderful husband and father. Through his FB page I was able to reconnect and keep in touch. I am a widow myself so my daughter and I know far to well the impact a loss like this has on a family. Please know that his memory will live in your hearts forever and find strength in all the happy times you've shared. Prayers and peace to you all.
Sean Walsh
January 20, 2014
Miss you my friend. God bless your family. Rest in peace and love.
Sean Walsh - the other one.........
John and Pat Nelson
January 20, 2014
May God bless you and your family with the loss of Christopher. You are in our prayers.
January 20, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melissa Sosin - Novelli
January 20, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. Chris & I were Thomas Edison classmates & reconnected through Facebook. I loved seeing all the family pictures. He was truly a wonder husband , dad & great person. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
So funny, and fun to be around.
January 20, 2014
Smile could light up a room!
January 20, 2014
Rob Dawson
January 20, 2014
The many nights and afternoons watching our sons play football and sharing memories of our own youth will always stay with me. Chris was a great man with a smile for everyone. Amanda and the boys will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim and Corey Eisenmann
January 20, 2014
Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Chris had a smile that would light up the room. He will be deeply missed.
Cindy Pryor
January 20, 2014
Chris always knew how to make me laugh even when I wanted to cry. You are so missed.
Jen Moe (McIntyre)
January 20, 2014
Amanda and boys - We are deeply sorry for your loss. You are in our hearts. With loving prayer, we wish you strength to get through this most difficult time. We are here for you.
January 20, 2014
Deepest sympathies..... from the AdvaCare Systems - Merrillville, IN team.
January 20, 2014
Notre Dame College Prep High School Football Program alums, coaches and players send their sympathies.
Steph Forsberg
January 20, 2014
Chris has been taken from us much too soon. So much love to Amanda, Mason, Vaughn and Dianne. His smile will live on forever.
Pat & Bob Kralik
January 20, 2014
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys during this most difficult time. Chris was a wonderful husband, father and son and he will be dearly missed.
Joey Heid
January 20, 2014
Even though we no longer worked together the text messages and emails kept coming in....a lot of laughs. I am so glad we took the time to find each other at the Ditka Dash...Mason and Vaughn your dad always told great stories about you both...one proud father for sure. The air and water show will never be the same, but you will be remembered fondly. Thoughts and prayers will continue to be with your family. You will be missed.
Dennis Rudnick
January 20, 2014
My deepest condolences... Chris was a great person.
Sheila Miller
January 20, 2014
Caring thoughts are sent your way. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
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Jan
22
Funeral
9:00 a.m.
Salerno’s Funeral Home-Rosedale Chapel - Roselle450 W. Lake Street, Roselle, IL 60172
Jan
22
Service
10:00 a.m.
Salerno’s Funeral Home-Rosedale Chapel - Roselle450 W. Lake Street, Roselle, IL 60172
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Salerno’s Funeral Home-Rosedale Chapel - Roselle450 W. Lake Street, Roselle, IL 60172
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