Robert Clyde Strotheide, 74, of Lincoln, died Wednesday (May 24, 2017) at his home.

 

He was born Jan. 27, 1943, in Bloomington, the son of L.G. and Doris Elizabeth (Eigsti) Strotheide. He married Sarah Marie Crum on Sept. 3, 1964, near Monmouth.

 

He is survived by his wife; two children, Joshua (wife, Julie Slater) and Erin (husband, Mohamed Sobih); seven siblings, Sandra (Jim) Benner, Janet Bertsche, Larry (Cass), Carol (Bill) Schmidtgall, Terry (LeRoy) Block, Paul, and Randy; and many nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

 

He graduated from Flanagan High School, attended Bluffton College in Ohio, and received his B.S. and M.S. from Illinois State University. He taught math and sciences at Hartsburg-Emden schools for more than 20 years, then taught for Richland Community and MacMurray colleges at Lincoln and Logan correctional centers until retirement in 2007.

 

He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his dad. He was in the Boy Scouts and later was the scoutmaster for his son's troop. He took part in several Lincoln Community Theater shows and attended countless productions with his family. He coached basketball and was a class sponsor at Hartsburg-Emden. His favorite author was James Michener, and he read and collected translations of the Bible. He enjoyed playing golf and could frequently be spotted bargain hunting at auctions, garage sales and thrift stores.

 

An avid traveler, he took trips to Vietnam, Ireland, Egypt, Malaysia, Norway, Portugal, Toronto, and many Canadian border water camping trips. Being an adventurous foodie, he often inspired his family and friends to try exotic foods.

 

He loved chatting with old friends and strangers alike and was known as a practical joker. With a true servant's heart and as a consummate host, one had only to mention a need and he was there to provide.

 

He was a member of the Lincoln Church of the Nazarene, serving on the board and participating in many ministries. He had been a member of and held several offices with Gideons International since 2008.

 

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Lincoln Church of the Nazarene, 2501 Woodlawn Road, Lincoln, with a dinner after the service at the church. Burial will be at 2 p.m. at Waldo Township Cemetery near Flanagan. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Gideons International or Lincoln Church of the Nazarene. Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln, is in charge of the arrangements.