Robert M. Strantz

Jan.16, 1926 – Feb.24, 2011 MISHAWAKA — Robert M. Strantz, 85, of Mishawaka, passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2011, with family in Mishawaka, Indiana. Born on January 16, 1926, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Matthew Ignatious and Margaret Anne (Weidner) Strantz, Robert was a lifelong resident of this area.

On April 15, 1950, Robert was united in marriage to Gertrude “Trudy” Muszynski, who survives him.Also surviving are daughters, Margaret Strantz of Mishawaka, Elizabeth Strantz of South Bend, Mary Beth Rosheck of South Bend, Judith Strantz of Florida and Caroline (James) Drummond of Ecuador. He is also survived by sons, Charles (Susan) Strantz of Osceola, Michael Strantz of South Bend, Eric (Suzan) Strantz of Mishawaka and Christopher (Jenelyn) Caduff of California. He is also survived by daughter- in-law, Laurie Strantz of California, and sister-in- law, Dolores Strantz of North Liberty.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents;his son, Frank Strantz;and by his two brothers, Matthew Strantz and Paul Strantz.

Robert was blessed with and enjoyed grand and great-grandchildren, Sonya (Jeff) Glenn of California, Melissa Saros of Mishawaka, Scott Strantz of South Bend, Catrice (Michael) Johnson of Mishawaka, Judah (Jess) Strantz of Mishawaka, Reuben Strantz of Oregon, Ryan Rosheck of Mishawaka, Aaron Rosheck of South Bend, Christopher Strantz of Camp Lejeune, NC, Kasee Strantz of Mishawaka, Breanna Strantz of California, Corey Strantz of California, Jesse, Jack and  Ariana Drummond of Ecuador, Jeremy and Jason Caduff of California, Frankie and Cassidy Baiz of Florida, Colin, Gabrielle and Killian Johnson of Mishawaka, Brandon Strantz of South Bend and Ayedin Strantz of Mishawaka.

Robert worked at the Studebaker plant, was co- owner of the former Par-K Lounge, located in Mishawaka, and after retirement worked for Real Services. Robert served his country in the Army of the United States of America as a private in Company C 327th Glider Infantry Regiment and the 101st Airborne Infantry Division. He was awarded the Victory Medal World War II, the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany Theater) Ribbon with Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.He served in the European Theater of Operation (France, England, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Germany), and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a member of the first Hungarian family to settle in South Bend, taking his heritage sincerely.

He always had extraordinary life stories, usually shared one-to-one or in small group conversations. Our dad took us on countless vacations, showing us how to be curious about our surround- ings.We had unexpected learning experiences on our unforgettable, grand adventures that would include neighborhood friends. Family and friends knew him as the “neighborhood dad,”who made sure everyone in the neighborhood had a bike and that everyone‘s bikes and cars worked.He loved reading a good book, watching golf, or listening to jazz. He was a passionate Notre Dame football fan. He had us crushing cans and recycling paper before “green”was in. He was honorable, democratic, selfless, a genuine friend of the underdog, a humanitarian, and loved the Lord. If you were fortunate enough to meet Bob, you’d go home with memories that often changed your life. He spent his time on earth as truly being a member of “The Greatest Generation.” Our mom was at his side throughout his life, right to his last hour. We’ll miss you - Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Friend.

Memorial services for Robert M.Strantz will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2011, at Saint Monica Catholic Church, 222 West Mishawaka Avenue, Mishawaka, IN.Visitation at 1:00 p.m.and a funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions on behalf of Robert may be made to Hope Ministries, 432 S.Lafayette Boulevard, South Bend, IN 46601;and to Yei Sudan Orphanage in Sudan, Africa, at www.thevineyard.org. 

Sources: Ancestry.com and Newspapers.com

08/19/2024 EJS