Robert D. Stremsterfer

Robert D. Stremsterfer, 87, of Springfield, passed away Sunday Jan. 2, 2011 at Regency Nursing Care Residence. He was born in Springfield, Jan. 24, 1923 the son of Lee and Leona Hahn Stremsterfer. He married Ruth Maureen Braner April 19, 1947 in Springfield. He and his wife farmed and raised registered Angus cattle before entering the insurance industry.

He was a local 4-H Leader, Director of the Illinois Angus Breeders Association, Gardner Township Supervisor and member of the county board for 16 years, Chairman of the Board of the Curran-Gardner Water District during its formation and completion and was an organization director and charter member of the Illinois Farmers Union. He became affiliated with National Farmers Union Insurance Companies in 1958, winning many top sales awards and serving in various management positions before retiring in 1987. He continued as a General Agent for Allianz Insurance Companies.

He was a veteran of World War II and was a lifetime member of VFW Post 755 where he acted as service officer and member of the Executive Board. He was an active member of the WWII Illinois Memorial Committee He served with the 44th Infantry Division in Europe. His decorations and citations included the Bronze Star. EAME Theatre Medal with 4 battle stars, Combat Infantry Badge, World War II Victory Medal and American Theatre Medal. In addition he was awarded the commemorative medal of the landing and battle of Normandy from the Council President of the region of Low Normandy. The French War Veterans, Inc. recently gave him their Medal of Honor for the Liberation of France. After training in explosives he was named 44th Division Demolition expert. He was a member of the World War II Worship Team serving many churches in central Illinois. He was a member of Springfield Southern Baptist Church and was a lifelong Democrat. In July 2010, he completed a book “Mission Accomplished” a memoir of his life experiences.

He was preceded in death by two daughters Linda Calhoon and an infant daughter, Barbara. He is survived by his wife Ruth; two daughters, Bobbie (husband, Forrest) Montgomery of Lovington and Margie (husband, James) Warren of Monticello; one granddaughter, Valeri Warren; four grandsons, Jason (wife, Kristi) Montgomery, Adam (wife, Margie) Montgomery, Brian Calhoon and Josh Warren and two great grandsons, Carter and Noah Montgomery; a brother, Harold (wife, Patty) Stremsterfer of Pleasant Plains and sister Edna May (husband, Edward) Morgan of Springfield; several nieces and nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

The family is being served by Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel where friends may call Wednesday from 5 to 7:00 PM and where services will be held 1:00 PM Thursday Jan. 6, 2011 with Pastor Mike Keppler officiating. Interment will be in Farmington Cemetery, Farmingdale where the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County will conduct Military Honors.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.