John Edward Strobel Jr.

John E. Strobel, Jr., 80, of Freeport, died Tuesday June 7, 2011 at Manor Court in Liberty Village. John was born on September 5, 1930 in Freeport the son of John Edward and Esther (Duffy) Strobel Sr. John was a 1949 graduate of Freeport High School. He is a U.S. Marine veteran of the Korean Conflict, where he earned a Purple Heart for being wounded in action. John worked on the ICC Railroad as a fireman and was an electrician for 38 years. John was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and many groups including; IBEW, VFW # 998, Germania and Eagles Club. He also spent time as a volunteer at FHN Memorial Hospital. Survivors include three grandchildren; Bridgette Strobel, Samantha Strobel and Stephen Strobel all of Belvidere, long time loving companion Shirley Vrtol of Freeport and special friends Vernon and Betty White. Also surviving are two nieces Connie (Phil) Ledesma of Roscoe, Illinois and Pam (Mike) Pagelkopf of Rochester Minnesota. Preceded in death by his parents, one son; Marty, two sisters; Nancy Smith and Shirley Kaus and by his step sister and her husband Wilda and LeRoy Bookman. Funeral Services will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, June 10, 2011 at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Willis Schwichtenberg and Vicar Brian Weaver officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Burke Tubbs. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established for Veteran Memorial Park in John'™s memory. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign the online guestbook.