Curtis Donald 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 first worked as a manufacturing consultant 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 P.M. on Friday, December 8, 2023, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers donations to Knox Presbyterian Church would be appreciated. Info beidelmankunschfh.com. 630-355-0264