Curtis D. Strothmann

Curtis Donald Strothmann died in his sleep on October 24, 2023, at Sunrise Senior
Living, Naperville, Illinois, his residence since September. He would have been 96 on
November 6.
Curt, the youngest of three boys, was born to German immigrants, Otto and Johanna
Strothmann, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and from a young age was drawn to Lake
Michigan and sailing, owning three boats before he owned a car. He and and his wife
Gwen met on the dock of South Shore Yacht Club and were married 64 years before
she died in 2012. Devoted to each other, they were a strong team, raising four children
and modeling for them generous hospitality and acceptance of others.
Curt earned his mechanical engineering degree at the University of Wisconsin and
worked in manufacturing in Milwaukee and then for many years as a corporate
executive at Sundstrand Corporation in Rockford, IL, where he lived until moving to
Naperville in 2018.
In addition to his sailing and engineering prowess, Curt was also an accomplished
musician and artist. He played the piano and sang until his last days and decorated his
room with watercolors painted in his retirement. Husband, father, uncle, grandfather,
great-grandfather, friend, caregiver, host of many parties and family reunions, Curt was
all of this and so much more. He showed by example how to love and care for others
and how to live life well.
He is survived by his children: Patty (Ed) Crylen, Nancy (Robert) Reafler, and Dave
(Kathy) Strothmann; grandchildren: Curtis (Ryann) Crylen, Kathryn Hackman, Carolyn
(Scott) Munson and Nick (Nikki) Amsbaugh; and great grandchildren: Allison, Abby,
Noah and Gus Crylen; Amelia and Levi Hackman; Elijah, Daniel, Joshua, and Isaiah
Munson; Avery, Scarlett, Nicholas, and Olivia Amsbaugh.
Curt was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Johanna Strothmann; wife
Gwendolyn Galligan Strothmann; brothers Rudolph and Werner; and son James
(Valerie).
A Celebration of Life will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church, 1105 Catalpa Lane,
Naperville at 1:00 pm on Friday, December 8, 2023, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations to Knox Presbyterian Church would be appreciated.