STRUNK
Lester Walter Strunk, 75, of rural Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 12:39 p.m. Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison.
He was born on November 24, 1948, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Frank Adam and Laverne (Nolte) Strunk. On May 21, 2005, he married Christine Jeffers on their farm near Donnellson.
He is survived by his wife: Christine; children: Stacey (Jeremy) Good of Burlington, Elizabeth (Gabe) Orth of Burlington, Sara Mills of Mt. Pleasant, Jenel Wesselink of Burlington; John Robert (Sarah) Howell of Mt. Pleasant; daughter-in-law: Kimberly Strunk of Dallas City, Illinois; twenty-two grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; siblings: Melvin (Jo) Strunk of Donnellson, Dorothy (Dennis) Copeland of Copperas Cove, Texas, Willis (Sheila) Strunk of Rockford, Ohio, Alice (Ben) Milander of Reno, Nevada, Louise Ballard of Fort Madison and Dennis Strunk of Fort Madison. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son: Brian; brother: Marvin and brother-in-law: Ronnie Ballard.
Lester was a 1968 graduate of Fort Madison High School. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He farmed all his life and worked at J.I. Case Company for thirty years. Lester was a member of the Donnellson American Legion Gillaspey - Moodie Post #474, the Southeast Iowa Beekeepers Association and he volunteered at the Donnellson Library and Lee County Speedway. He enjoyed gardening, being around his hound dogs and his beloved cat “Tipper”. Most of all, Lester enjoyed spending time with family and friends at everyone’s happy place “the farm”.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Pastor Mary Hart officiating.
Burial will be at Oakland Sand Cemetery in Vincennes, Iowa, with full military rites presented by the Donnellson American Legion.
Memorials have been established in his memory for the Donnellson American Legion or PAW Animal Shelter.
Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at
www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
