Robert Francis Strefelder

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Strefelder, who passed away peacefully in his home in Jenison, MI on Nov 26, 2025 at the age of 76.
Born on January 12, 1949 in Granite Falls, MN, he spent his childhood growing up and graduating from high school in nearby Renville, MN, developing the values of integrity, hard work, and kindness that would define his life. On May 16, 1970 he married the love of his life, Cynthia Wisch, and together they built a beautiful life and family. He was a devoted husband for over 55 years and a dedicated father to his sons, Scott and Ryan.
Throughout his life Robert was known by many names, and wore many professional hats. Those who knew him best called him Bob, Dad, Honey, Streffy, and his favorite
people called him Papa.
Bob's lifetime journey of professional lives combined to take him to multiple places around the country and the world. He first worked on a farm during his formative years, went on to become an Expert Marksman with the Minnesota Army National Guard, and later became a Police Officer in Hector, MN.
Professionally, Bob was no doubt best known for his 42 year railroad career, which began in MN with the Milwaukee Road. His passion for railroading later led him to
relocate to Tucson, AZ to become a Locomotive Engineer with the Southern Pacific Railroad, and he ultimately retired in Tucson, AZ as a Locomotive Engineer with the
Union Pacific Railroad in 2011.
No matter his career, Bob was defined by his pride and unwavering commitment to his family. He embraced the importance of resilience, and was always willing to offer a
helping hand to his family, friends, and neighbors.
Bob's memory will undoubtedly live on in the many lives and hearts that he touched. We will miss his comforting presence, his endless library of stories of his past, and his
unrelenting hopefulness for those he knew and loved.
He was preceded in death by his father John, his mother Anna, and is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia; his children, Scott (Diane), and Ryan; his grandchildren, Nicolas,
Grayson, Callie (Scott) and Raegan (Ryan); his brother Charles (Arlene), and a host of extended family members and friends.
A visitation will be held at VanderLaan Funeral Home in Hudsonville, MI on Dec 6, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with funeral service and reception to follow.