Michael W. Strub
Obituary's Biography:
Michael William Strub, age 85, of Ingleside, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on July 12, 2025. He was born on January 1, 1940, in Sandusky, Ohio, to the late Harry and Beatrice Strub.
Michael was a proud veteran who honorably served two tours in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he dedicated his career to the skilled trade of carpentry, working as a union carpenter on bridge construction for IL Constructors Co. and Bolander. Michael had a zest for life and a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures — especially fishing. He was known for his warm heart, kind spirit, and was a cherished neighbor and loyal friend to many.
He will be remembered with love and missed deeply by all who knew him especially his wife, Carolyn; his daughters, Becky Hamilton, Keri Strub, and Erin Strub; his stepchildren, Ross Pelz, Jamie Pelz, and DeAnn Mandas; his seven grandchildren; and his sister, Joanetta Grabowski.
A memorial visitation and service will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 from 4:00pm until 7:30pm, with a service commencing at 7:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warriors Project. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.
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With Deepest Condolences to the Entire Family
Mike was a man of quiet strength — steady, humble, and full of genuine kindness. Many holidays and family moments were shared with him over the years, but in recent months came the special privilege of spending one-on-one time together. Those moments offered a rare window into the depth of who he was, and they will always be deeply cherished.
Each time he called, it felt like an honor. Helping him, hearing his stories, simply being in his presence — those are memories now held with great care and pride.
As stories are shared by those who knew him best, may his legacy continue to grow. These memories will be passed on to his grandchildren, so they come to know not just the man he was — but how deeply he was loved.
May he rest in peace, and may we honor him in every story we tell.
Hugs and kisses to all who loved him.
Mike, you will be missed, great man. Always a pleasure to have a conversation with and to trade my bbq sauce for your salsa. R.I.P. my friend
You and Carolyn we’re very good neighbor to us at the Boat Dock we enjoy fishing on Long Lake and Jay taken care your Boats &
seeing you fishing on the Banks
The Angels Just got a Great Fisherman
Rest in Peace Good Friend
Jay & Lynn
Such a wonderful person. Always good to share drink with or a joke and a laugh. We will miss you Mike.💙🙏
Mike, you were truly one of the greatest people I have ever had the privilege to know and love. Your devotion to the love of your life, Carolyn should be lead by example, to all that knew you. I will truly miss you and your spicy sauces.
Have a couple beers with Skip up there and watch out for all of us down here that will always share fun memories of you.
Thanks for always being my friend. Love you!
Kim Stone
Celebrating the Life of Michael William Strub
Tuesday, July 15th, 2025
Today, we came together to celebrate the life of our fearless leader, Michael William Strub, who left us peacefully on Saturday, July 12th, at 8:30 a.m. I want to thank everyone who attended and shared in remembering our beloved father. Though today was filled with both tears and smiles, we find comfort in holding onto the countless memories we shared with him.
Dad had a unique way of making every moment special—and sometimes hilarious. I’ll never forget the time he playfully convinced me that chicken was actually frog meat. That was just Dad, always finding a way to turn life into a funny story, a lesson, or a new adventure.
Losing him is incredibly hard—knowing we’ll never talk or see him again hurts deeply. But his love, kindness, and lessons will stay with us forever. Michael was an extraordinary father, a loving husband, and a friend to many. As the only brother to his four sisters and a proud mama’s boy, he had a charm that was impossible to resist. We girls always knew—we’d say, “I’m getting my daddy on you!” whenever anyone threatened us, and he was always ready to stand up for us, no matter what. Our dad He has two Purple Hearts, was a POW in Vietnam, and had black widow spider tattoo means his special forces platoon “ prisoner of war.” He was so strong and fearless .
He believed in fairness and love—treating everyone equally and with a kind heart. His favorite saying was, “If you can count at least three good friends on one hand, that’s all that matters.” Dad taught us what true morals and values are, and for that, we are forever grateful.
Some of our happiest memories are from Sundays spent by the pond, catching frogs, boating, and fishing—times we now get to relive with our children. Though heartbreaking not to have him here with us now, we know he’s smiling down, watching over us.
Dad, we love and miss you so much. Until we meet again😘😘😘
Have an old-style on us!
Love always,
Your Karebear