1935
2022
Donald J. Strimbu, Sr.
Dec. 9, 1935 - May 14, 2022
VALPARAISO - We celebrate the life of Donald ("Don") Joseph Strimbu Sr., who passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2022, while in hospice care.
Don lived in Valparaiso, Indiana and Scottsdale, Arizona. He was born in Gary, Indiana, and attended Lew Wallace High School.
He was a Purdue University graduate, holding a doctorate in Pharmacy. He worked his way through college as a caddy at Gary Country Club (now Innsbrook Country Club) in Merrillville, Indiana.
He founded and ran Center Drugs, Inc. in Lake Station (formerly East Gary), Indiana for thirty-seven years. Don always put his customers first and was highly dedicated to their health and well-being.
In his retirement, Don enjoyed traveling across the country by car and train. He also performed as a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Winfield, Indiana, and was active in the Holy Spirit Church food pantry (a St. Vincent DePaul Society affiliate).
Don was preceded in death by his mother, Emily Strimbu (nee Magda), his father, Thomas Strimbu Sr.; and his brother, Thomas Strimbu Jr.
He is survived by his high-school sweetheart and wife of 65 years, Helene (nee Petro); his daughter, Laura Ann (Mark) Pfledderer of Valparaiso; his son, Don Jr. of Novato, California; his "adopted" daughter, Barbara Jean Owens; and his grandchildren: Lauren Ashley (Clayton Knight) Strimbu of Elburn, Illinois, Alan Strimbu of Bartlett, Illinois, Lindsey Pfledderer of Indianapolis, Indiana and Collette Pfledderer of Valparaiso.
Don was quick witted and had an incredible sense of humor and made friends with everyone he met. His passion for life and love of learning was an inspiration to everyone who knew him.
A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. The memorial service will take place on Friday, June 3, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Burns Funeral Home, Crown Point. Rev. Thomas Mischler officiating.
In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Don's name. www.burnsfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Clara Adams
June 11, 2022
You are sadly missed, my friend. We are left with happy, and fun memories!
Pete & Ann Plazony
June 7, 2022
Helene,
In our heart we'll keep the memories of Don who we loved so well.
Clara Adams
May 30, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jo and Jack Powell
May 29, 2022
Our Deepest sympathy to Helene and family.
Don was a dear friend. May he rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Jun
2
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Burns Funeral Home & Crematory - Crown Point10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN 46307
Jun
3
11:00 a.m.
Burns Funeral Home & Crematory - Crown Point10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN 46307
Funeral services provided by:
Burns Funeral Home & Crematory - Crown Point10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN 46307
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more