Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

About

San Ramon Valley High School

Stephen Strobel Obituary

Stephen L Strobel was a caring husband, a loving father, and a lifelong teacher. He passed away on July 2, 2023 at the age of 86 in his home in Rossmoor, California.A native of Castro Valley, California, Stephen was born to Vincent and Betsy Strobel. Stephen was a passionate educator, who spent his entire career teaching History at San Ramon Valley High School. He also spent time as a swim coach and taught summer school courses at Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii.Stephen was an enthusiastic cook, with a great love of French cuisine. He was also an enthusiast of Trader Vic's and a huge fan of Big Band music. He was well-known for his sense of humor and friendly manner.Stephen was preceded in death by his first wife Joanne and son Lance, and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sandra, and his children John and Laura.In his memory, donations can be made to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano and Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by East Bay Times on Jul. 13, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Strobel

Sponsored by East Bay Times.

41 Entries

Denise Linder ( Crow)

September 22, 2024

One of my favorite teachers. Mr Strobel made history fun and interesting. He had a patient and caring way with his students

Isabel Burton

April 21, 2024

Mr Strobel was the best teacher I ever had. He taught me U.S. History, African American Studies, Drivers Training and especially how to parallel park! He also taught me about life...he was a real listener, mentor and positive friend.
I am truly thankful for all the wonderful memories of good times at San Ramon Valley High School especially in Mr. Strobel´s Classroom.
Sending heartfelt condolences to Sandra and Family.
Aloha,
Izzy

Steve Orgill (Rosenkrans)

November 29, 2023

Mr. Strobel, was by far one of my favorite teachers. I have a vivid image of him giving a lecture with his leg swung over the top of the rostrum, which he did quite often. Steve Orgill "70"

Shawna (Parks) Marsh

October 11, 2023

Mr. Strobel was my History teacher, at SRVHS. He was the kindest man and made learning interesting and fun. Rest in peace. You are remembered fondly.

Sue Holcomb Heyward

September 22, 2023

What an amazing teacher, the best I have ever known. Steve helped me as a young teacher when I began at San Ramon High in 1978 in the Social Studies department. His extensive knowledge of history as well as his wit, wisdom and kindness made him an exceptional colleague and friend. Steve loved a good joke and his sense of fun was contagious, I can still remember his wonderful laugh! I am grateful for your help and making me see that teaching is an honorable profession and truly a wonderful journey.

Dennis Child `68

September 6, 2023

Just seeing this. Steve was our Water Polo coach in 67-68. The first year we were a perfect 0-10! Played against guys from Acalanes, Miramonte, and Campolindo that went on to the Olympics!
Heater went out in SR pool! Ouch! That was cold in the winter!
A great man! I know he´s still teaching and coaching in heaven!

Dwight Hasbrouck

August 10, 2023

A+ teacher 5star top quality person
Many fond memories of him during history class
The years go by fast
We are all fully aware that eventually our time will end in this life and our eternity realm comes next for our eternal spirit
Shedding a tear discovering this sad news
God's peace comfort be upon all family and friends

Richard Torres

August 9, 2023

I was in his Us history class back in 1983, he was a great teacher

Sandy MacDonald

August 1, 2023

My favorite high school teacher by far and maybe my favorite teacher of all. He made history and civics fun. Who can forget his portrayal of LBS (the substitute for LBJ or for having Mr. Bailey fire the starting pistol inside of the backroom window during class to test how we remember events and to be skeptical. He cared about his students and us swimmers on the swim team. He taught me not only the curriculum, but demonstrated how a good human being should be. He will be missed the many lives that he helped usher through their four years of high school. Thank you Steve.

Vivian Srouji

July 19, 2023

My deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Strobels. Steve was a very special colleague, teacher, and friend. I always looked forward to seeing him every morning when he stopped by the counseling office, just to say hello, share a story, or joke, or check on a student. My sons and students were lucky to have him as their history teacher. They found him to be an incredible teacher who made history come alive with stories and interesting facts. Steve, you are a treasure, and my family and I feel lucky to have known you. Rest in Peace.

Cari Nielson

July 17, 2023

Ah, Mr Strobel. Such a fine man. I had him for US History and greatly appreciated his warmth, humor, and enthusiasm for American history. He made a positive impact on my life and I am grateful. Condolences to the family and all who loved him.

Marina Besprozvannaya

July 17, 2023

Mr. Strobel was one of the most amazing teachers I´ve ever had. He made history come alive and instilled a lifelong love for it in me. He made a shy, immigrant kid be seen and helped me thrive. After 20 years I still come back to the lessons I learned in his class.

Theresa Bentley

July 16, 2023

Theresa Bentley

July 16, 2023

Cindi (Smith) Van Dorn

July 16, 2023

Strob was the best. Who will ever forget 1975 West Trip. We had such a great time thanks to Mr. strobe

Cindi (Smith) Van Dorn

Theresa Bentley

July 16, 2023

I am sorry to hear about Mr. Strobel's passing. He was a wonderful teacher and I feel fortunate that I got to know him at SR High and have such sweet memories. He promoted a true sense of comradery with his students that will be remembered by me for sure as well as many of my school friends. Blessings to his family.

Fred Kurtz

July 15, 2023

Mr. Strobel will truly be missed. He was a great man, teacher and swim coach. He stretched his students because he believed in them and cared for who they were and who they could be in the future. We noticed that passion. He took a wonderful risk of taking students on a week long West field trip. Those who went will always remember the time. Several of us were on the first trip in 1974. RIP Mr. Strobel. You worked hard for what you believed in for us.

Brad Crooker

July 15, 2023

My condolences to his children and wife. I was glad to know that Mr. Strobel continued to teach for decades after I graduated from San Ramon in 1972. Even my own daughter was familiar with him when she attended the same high school up until 2008. I remember his wry sense of humor, and respected him for his intelligence and even-tempered teaching style.

John

July 15, 2023

One of the shining stars of my High School memories. His wit, skilled communication, and passion for history and civics were unmatched. When paired with Mrs Rice it was the dream team. I´m so thankful for the fond recollections not to mention the education.

Mark Faber

July 14, 2023

Mr. Strobel was my swimming coach at SR, from 1969-1972. He loved his students and swimmers and was not afraid to show it. His sense of humor and sarcasm was openly displayed. He was loved and respected by all of us who had the fortune to know him on a level deeper than just another teacher. I loved Mr. Strobel. He will be missed but live on in our memories and stories of him.

Janis (Foster) Keeney

July 14, 2023

Mr. Strobel was my teacher 50 some years ago. I also helped him with the swim team (I was a timer). He was a super teacher and kind, caring man. My condolences.

Heidi Rose

July 14, 2023

Mr Strobel was so kind and interesting. I loved him as a teacher and he really sparked my interest in history which has become a lifelong passion. He saw potential in me that I didn´t recognize myself at the time. I was at SR 72-26 and appreciate having had such a positive learning experience as I did in his class.
Rest In Peace Mr strobel. I wish I knew you liked the big band era and French food. We could have enjoyed that in common.
Heidi ( Roerden)

Leslie Lethaby

July 14, 2023

The best teacher - one of the San Ramon High greats. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and words. Fly High Mr. Stobel!
Leslie

Tara Sembrat

July 14, 2023

Me. Strobel was my U.S. History teacher at SRVHS 1990-91. He was the best! So witty, was great at delivering the content, and always made the class fun. I think of him quite often. What a sad loss. He will always be remembered. He´s made his mark on thousands of kids.

Marla Schneider Cookston

July 14, 2023

Mr. Strobel's is a life well lived. Just look at all the comments. He was a great teacher, a kind and caring human being. He made a huge difference in my high school years and I am blessed and privileged to have had him as one of my favorite teachers (1971-72). Praying for his family. I am sure this is quite a loss to them.

Richard Brucker

July 14, 2023

I went to San Ramon from 1971 to 1972 and had Mr. Strobel as a teacher. I remember him as smart, witty and able to really engage us in class. I did not know he was from Castro Valley as I was born there as well. Rest in Peace Mr. Strobel.

Steve Keithley

July 14, 2023

Sad to hear about Mr. Strobel, he was a good teacher and he kept me in check if I was fooling around. Steve K Class of 72'

Steven Costa

July 14, 2023

I remember Mr. Strobel as a caring, compassionate educator with a warm personality. He was a fixture at San Ramon Valley High School. God bless and rest in peace.

Laurie Robins

July 13, 2023

Mr. Strobel was probably my favorite teacher at San Ramon. He was always so kind and always had a smile on his face. My favorite memory of him was when my friends and I would walk past him in the halls after our early morning seminary (church class) and he´d say "How are my beehive beauties?" Such great memories! My sincere condolences go to his family.

Renee Courtney McManus

July 13, 2023

Mr. Strobel was such a kind and gentle soul. His impact on students lives is immeasurable. I always have a smile when I remember him. Fly high with angels Mr. Strobel you will be missed and remembered. Prayers for his family.

Chris Hubinger

July 13, 2023

So sad to see this. He was a wonderful teacher and person. I was a TA in one of his classes and he had such a great sense of humor and a love for his family. Rest in peace

Janis Decker Murphy

July 13, 2023

My favorite HS teacher... After moving to a new HS my junior year from southern Ca Mr Strobel was so welcoming and helpful, helped so much with the transition. Was an aide for him my senior year.RIP

Elizabeth Giuliacci (Betsy Cutting `94)

July 13, 2023

Who could forget Mr. Strobel, the best history teacher ever?! He always said, "A word to the wise, and the otherwise..." And if you ask him if he got his hair cut he´d say, "Yes! Both of them!" All these years later, I still remember his kindness and humor.

Dixie Cortez (Smith)

July 13, 2023

Mr. Strobel was my very favorite teacher. He made history (a full subject) come alive for me. I've been a history bug ever since. You will be greatly missed. You had such impact on our used to be young lives.

Carol Macphail

Planted Trees

Sandy G

July 13, 2023

He was a great history teacher and one of the best at San Ramon High. Really appreciated his enthusiasm for history and his sense of humor. He was a great role model. Remembering him fondly after 40 years...

Paula Pell

July 13, 2023

What a wonderful and kind teacher! I had Mr. Strobel for American History and Civics in High School. He and his co-teachers made learning fun.

Carol MacPhail

July 13, 2023

Such a sad loss. He was an amazing teacher and supportive colleague.
He will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences.

Suzanne Baldenegro

July 13, 2023

Prayers to the Strobel family and friends. He will be remembered as a fantastic teacher at SRVHS!!! Privelaged to have been one of his students.

Jennifer Alper Plisch

July 13, 2023

What a wonderful man. He was one of my favorite teachers and he taught me how to drive. Rest in Peace Mr. Strobel

Sue Wild

July 13, 2023

Mr. Strobes was my Econ teacher at San Ramon Valley in 1974-1975. He was an amazing teacher with a great sense of humor! He was also a judge for pom-pom try outs. I was not very good and ended my routine in the splits with my chin on the judges' table. I knew I was not a top contender, but Mr. Strobel told me I was great and said he gave me full points! He was a very kind human and I think of him often.
Sue Wild

Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results