Robert Strong

Robert W. Strong

Age 66 of Wilmington, passed away Tuesday September 24, 2013 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.

Born June 29, 1947 in Joliet, Bob was a son of the late Edward and Grace McGrath-Strong. He was raised and educated in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School with the class of 1967. On March 2, 1968 Bob married Linda Barbour in the United Methodist Church in Wilmington. He worked as a Pipefitter, co-owning and operating Island City Piping Company in Wilmington for more than 30 years. Bob was a member of Pipefitters Local #597, served as a former Wilmington Alderman and belonged to the Will County Threshermen's Association. Bob enjoyed collecting tractors, bass fishing, and was an avid movie fan. He will be remembered for time spent enjoying his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Linda; three children: Alesha (Brian) Boyer of Wilmington, Major Christopher (Elizabeth) Strong, USAF of Shreveport, Louisiana and Jason (Bridget) Strong of Wilmington; eight grandchildren: Gwen Boyer, Alex Boyer, Veronica Boyer, Emma Grace Strong, Aubrey Strong, Colin Strong, Brodie Strong and Emilie Strong; two brothers: Randy (Donna) Strong of Joliet and Roy Strong of Wilmington; four sisters: Billie (Clifford) Cragg of Alabama, Ret. Col. Virginia (Jim) Penrod, USAF, of Virginia, SaraJane "Linda" (the late John) Weilmuenster of Decatur and Lyla (John) Girsch of Chillicothe, Illinois; one brother-in-law Mike (Nancy) Barbour of Wilmington and two sisters-in-law: Kay (the late Doc) Richards of Diamond, and Judith (Joe) Midlock of Joliet, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by parents: Edward and Grace Strong and two brothers: Gene and Edward Strong.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Sunday September 29, 2013 between the hours of 2:00PM and 6:00PM at Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Monday September 30, 2013 at 10:00AM in the funeral home with Reverend Mark Moon officiating.

Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Pallbearers will be: Major Christopher Strong, USAF, Jason Strong, Brian Boyer, Randy Strong, Roy Strong, Edward Strong and Joseph Strong.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Bob's memory to the Wilmington School District Foundation for Excellence, 209u Wildcat Court, Wilmington, Illinois 60481 or to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 South Main Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481.

Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Matthew R. Baskerville, CFSP. (815/476-2181)