David A. Strobehn

"Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow but remember me in every tomorrow. Remember the joy, and the laughter. Although my leaving causes pain and grief, my going has eased my hurt and given me relief. So, dry your eyes and remember me. Because I will remember you and look on with a smile. I won't be far away, for life goes on, though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near. All my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile, and say 'Welcome'"
David Allen Strobehn, 82, of Port Edwards, Wisconsin, departed this life on January 8, 2026, at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, surrounded by family, peace, and love. A memorial service will be conducted in the spring, at which time his daughters and grandchildren will accompany him and his wife, Sandra, to their final resting place in their beloved Oregon.
David, the eldest of three boys, was born on November 19, 943, in Glendale, California, to parents Donald Francis Strobehn and Geraldine Mildred Strobehn. With his wife, Sandra Rose Strobehn, by his side, he created a beautiful life on the West Coast with their six daughters. For several decades, he worked diligently as a long-haul truck driver with the Teamsters, transporting cars to dealerships throughout the country. During his career, he visited all states except Hawaii and Alaska and was known for giving directions based on local dealerships, allowing him to guide you through any city.
He was cherished for his kind soul, passion for drag racing and football, and love for all animals. He had a perfectly timed sense of humor that he held onto until the very end. Being a "Papa" to all his grandchildren was by far his greatest joy. Following the passing of his wife of nearly 47 years in 2012, he experienced profound sorrow that he was unable to fully overcome.
By 2015, he had relocated to Wisconsin with two daughters and a granddaughter, where he remained steadfast in his readiness to lend a hand. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandfather. His kind presence and loving nature will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
David is survived by his children: Lisa (Wade) Connell, Lori Strobehn, Linda Graham, Kimberly (Dwayne) Jenks, Amanda (Salvatore) Manno, and Melissa (Jason Olson) Strobehn; grandchildren: Natasha (Jerimiah) Hodson, Charles (Autumn) Jenks, Kaitlin Connell, Jacob (Sydni) Graham, Zachary Graham, Alaina Strobehn, Greyson Strobehn, and Peyton Kopchik; great-grandchildren: Giovanni Hodson, Roen Hodson, Noah Hodson, Lyla Connell, Quinn Graham, and baby boy Graham on the way; brother: Richard (Linda) Strobehn; nephews: Ricky (Christina) Strobehn and Donnie Strobehn; nieces: Stephanie Strobehn, Jennifer Estes, and Sarah Larson; sister-in-law: Sharon Young; longtime friend: James Kinsey; and many cousins; His treasured cat: Oreo.
David is preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Strobehn; parents: Donald and Geraldine Strobehn; brother: Peter Strobehn; son-in-law: Randy Graham; nephews: Packy Strobehn and Christopher Strobehn; and many cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and dear friends.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the dedicated staff of the Neuro CCU at Wausau Hospital and the compassionate ER nurse at Riverview Hospital for providing exceptional care during a critical time. Pastor Ritter for bringing him strength and reassurance at the end. Special thanks are also due to Bill and Fran Langford, his neighbors, for their unrelenting support and kindness over the years. This isn't goodbye, Dad, but rather a see you later.