Robert P. Strang

Robert "Corky" Strang, of Wadsworth, Illinois, passed away on November 30, 2023 at the age of 80.  He is survived by his loving wife Ruth Ann of 55 years, two children Tammy (Paul) Habel and Ken (Deana) Strang, and his five favorite people, his grandchildren Corey, Taryn and Jesse Habel, and Madison Jones and Grace Strang. He was the son of the late Kenneth and Gwen Strang and brother of the late Kathleen Strang.

Corky grew up in Gurnee, Illinois, and graduated from Warren Township High School. He served in the U.S. Army, driving a truck and working in the mailroom. He also served with the Gurnee Volunteer Fire Department where he made lifelong friends.

He became a plumber's apprentice and worked very hard as an industrial plumber until his retirement. He and his friends built his home in Wadsworth, where he lived for 52 years.

He was very involved in his son's Boy Scout Troop as ScoutMaster, and went on numerous camping trips, where his specialty  was cooking in Dutch ovens outdoors. He helped his son Ken achieve Eagle Scout. Corky loved the outdoors. He tended a large vegetable garden in his backyard, sharing his harvest of rhubarb, asparagus, tomatoes, onions, beans, and peas with family and neighbors. He planted nearly 100 pine trees in his yard and took very good care of them, digging around each one every spring. He said the trick to caring for all his plants and trees was to talk to them. He took long walks and rode his bike, sometimes up to 20 miles, down the Des Plaines River Trail. He loved to fish and golf with his buddies.

Corky spent much of his retirement traveling the world by cruise ship with Ruth Ann. They visited Alaska, Hawaii, Greece, Italy, and many other places. He also loved exploring California, where his son Ken lives. Corky and Ruth had a great love for each other and even after 55 years of marriage, still held hands while sitting on the couch together.

Corky was well loved by family and friends. He was quiet but had a great dry sense of humor. A huge Packers fan, he often made friendly wagers with his Bears fans son and son-in-law. Most of all, Corky loved being with his family, especially his grandchildren. Their Papa taught them to love gardening and yard work. He and Ruth took them to parks, restaurants, The Botanic Gardens, water parks, festivals, and fairs. They played games, baked, grilled, and played ball in the yard. Corky never missed a band concert, soccer game, or music program for the kids.

Late in life, Parkinson's Disease wore him down, but he never complained and never stopped caring about his family.

A private ceremony will be held for family and friends at Warren Cemetery and Funeral Home in Gurnee on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, followed by his favorite Quonset Pizza.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Newport Fire Department, 39010 N. Caroline Avenue, Wadsworth, IL 60083 in his name.

Arrangements by Warren Funeral Home, 847-855-2760 or www.warrencemetery.com.