Hillard Strebe

Hillard R. Strebe, age 90, died peacefully at the Legacy House in Ocala, FL on July 22, 2017. He was born to Gordon Strebe and Sophie Kilishek in Menasha, WI. Hillard's high school education was interrupted when he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard at only 17 years old. He served his country in the South Pacific during World War II as a Seaman Apprentice. He then returned home and graduated in 1947 from St. Mary's in Menasha.He was united in marriage to Patricia Monaghan in San Bernardino, CA in 1950. The couple settled in Appleton, WI. Hillard started his career at Gilbert Paper Company where he worked his way up from Electrical Journeyman to Head of Power and Maintenance Division. He retired in 1989 after 30 years.Hillard was very involved in the community. He was a charter member of St. Bernadette's Catholic Church, a founding member of the Schaefer Park Family Club and also involved in Junior Achievement. He was a Boy Scout Master, leading his troop on many exciting and educational trips. His scouts hiked the Appalachian Trail, went to Canada and made several trips to Colorado. Hillard was an avid golfer and a lifelong ham radio enthusiast.Upon retirement, he and his wife Pat relocated to Ocala, FL. They enjoyed many years of warmth, sunshine and new friends until Pat became ill. Hillard was the family's rock during this difficult time. Some time later is when he met and fell in love with a cute Kentucky belle. He married Lois Harris in 1998 and she quickly became part of the family. They enjoyed playing golf together and laughing until their bellies hurt.He was preceded in death by: his parents, wife Pat, second wife Lois, brothers Gordon Jr., Paul Sr. and Norman Strebe, and sister Ethel Harrell. Hillard is survived by: brother John Strebe Sr. (Menasha); sister Margaret Hopfensperger (Menasha); sons: Steve Strebe (Ocala), Grant (fiancé Theresa Wilkinson) Strebe (Appleton); daughters: Leeann (Miles) Johnson (Hollywood, FL), Laurie Strebe (Oshkosh); son-in-law: Greg Harris; daughters-in-law: Bobby Sue Earnhardt, Jerri Harris Mckee.Grandchildren: Carrie Ann Felzer (Appleton), Samantha Wildt, Evan Johnson (Hollywood, FL), Tyler Strebe, Katy Strebe, Emily Strebe (Appleton), Hailey (Justin) Hetzel (Oshkosh). A mass of resurrection will be held at 8:30 AM Friday Sept. 1st, 2017 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church; 6455 SW State Rd 200, Ocala, FL. After mass there will be a procession to the Florida National Cemetery for a Committal service with full Military Honors, at approximately 11:00 am; 6502 S.W. 102nd Ave. Bushnell, FL. The family wants to thank the staff at Avante of Ocala and The Legacy House for their loving care of our Dad, Brother, Uncle and Grandpa.A Special Thank You to Rena Micciola for her love and generosity the past few years of his life. In lieu of flowers, church mass intentions and unexpected funeral cost donations are appreciated and can be sent to the family.Please visit www.robertsfuneralhome.com to view Hillard's Book of Memories, guestbook tributes and service information. Please feel free to add a memory and/or photos to celebrate the life of Hillard Strebe.

Hillard Strebe

June 7, 1927 - July 22, 2017