David Lee Stromske

1942 - 2024

David Lee Stromske
Grafton - David Lee Stromske, died Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 4:30pm at Barnes Hospital, after a brief illness, surrounded by family. After 81 years of jokes, sarcastic comments, and amazing hair, he was finally overcome by something more stubborn than he was.
Born August 17, 1942 in Alton, he was the fourth son of Stanley Martin and Gertrude Mary (Miller) Stromske. He was a member of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Alton. It was David's honor to serve his country in the U.S. Army. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran, serving a tour of duty from 1967-68 and achieving the rank of Sergeant. On January 1, 1992 he married the former Judith Roper in Alton, and she lovingly put up with his many stories, larger than life personality, and smart-assed comments for the next 30+ years. David spent over 40 years as a well-known local salesman for Metro Supply, helping so many restaurants and bars in the area with their needs and sampling some of the wares before finally retiring in 2015. He was a longtime member of the Alton Fraternal Order of the Eagles Lodge 254, serving as a Trustee. David was a member of the Grafton American Legion 648 where he served as the Chaplain and as a member of the Honor Guard. He was also a founding member of the Great River Road Dune Buggy Club. He loved driving that bright yellow buggy with Judy by his side!
In addition to Judy, he is also survived by two daughters, Shannon Walker (Kevin) of Godfrey, Haylie Elmendorf (Jason) of Alton, and bonus daughter Laura Mugge (Bob Morrill) of East Alton, and nine beloved grandchildren: Nola Effinger, Devin & Leena Walker, Marian, James, and John Elmendorf, Brady Morrill, Maya and Nicolas Mugge. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Nancy Stromske of Godfrey. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews that he both loved and terrorized in a lot of very original ways over the years. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, James, Thomas, and Edward Stromske, two sisters-in-law, Wanda and Jean, and a nephew, Alan.
David was a man who never met a stranger and ALWAYS had a story or joke for every occasion. He and his lifelong friend Mike Walters were originators of the family run food stand The Corn Hole which they ran together for over 20 years before passing it off to the next generation. David was a man of many hobbies and talents. Over the years he played volleyball, darts, bowling, softball, frisbee, horseshoes, blow darts, washers, bags, bocci, horserace, dominoes, backgammon, cribbage, and any other card game known to man, most of which were just excuses to get together and drink beer with family and friends. He loved spending time entertaining and playing games with family and friends most of all. Next time you deal the cards, roll the dice, or place a bet, be sure to use some "choice words" in his honor! David was well known as an avid winemaker--as he always said, his elderberry wine could make you see double and feel single! In his later years, he loved the simplicity of sitting on the deck looking out at the flowers and gardens in his own backyard. His last legacy was the gift of organ donation after his death.
Now everyone "quit your ball-baggin" and join us for a celebration of a life well-lived at the Grafton American Legion on July 27, 2024 beginning at 12:00 noon. Memorials can be made in David's honor to the Grafton American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com