Scott L. Strickler

Scott was born August 17, 1971 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Lawrence and Joann (Iliff) Strickler. He was a graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School, and earned three degrees from Purdue University – a Bachelor of Art in Theater, with a minor in Dance (1994); a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (both 2011.) He also holds a US patent for a Hydraulic Valve Actuation System with Valve Lash Adjustment.

As a young adult, Scott had jobs working on high-end sports cars, performing in a local children’s theater, and as a part-time actor. For three years, he travelled the state teaching Indiana history to elementary school students with IREACH, an outreach exhibit of the Indiana State Museum. It was there in January 2001 that he met his wife, Deirdre Bogard. After returning to school at IUPUI, he began working for Navistar Truck & Engine as a validation engineer and also as one of the company’s chief coordinators of a technical school program developed for high school students in the Indianapolis Public Schools, later expanding to Chicago and Fort Wayne, Indiana. He also worked as a quality/compliance engineer for an international medical device company. In 2023, he began working as a patent examiner for the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Scott’s hobbies and personal interests were even more eclectic and diverse than his work. He loved speed and travelled the country racing vintage motorcycles (that he had personally restored) with the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association. He also competed annually in Newport Indiana’s Antique Auto Hill Climb. As a spectator, he attended countless races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway; dirt track races in Peoria, Springfield, and at the Indiana State Fairgrounds; the hydroplane races in Madison; and numerous air shows. He wasn’t just a fan of wheels – he also loved his sailboat and dreamed of future sailing trips to far-away, tropical destinations. He was very close to and supportive of his nephews – being a favorite playmate, attending their sporting events and school programs, and encouraging them always, as a mentor and friend. Scott was a student of history, especially WWII. He followed all things NASA, and space related, and loved to watch launches from the family condo in Cocoa Beach. He and Deirdre made great memories with all of their wonderful trips, from birthday weekends at West Baden Springs to camping in Michigan. They regularly attended concerts of all sorts, drove to Franklin, Indiana to watch classic movies at the Historic Artcraft Theatre, and rarely missed an Oktoberfest. And he supported her in all of her work and personal interests.

Starting in early 2019, Scott rekindled a dedicated interest in his own health and fitness. He trained for and ran in that year’s 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, as well as every Mini since. He completed other half-marathons and dozens of 5Ks. He became an avid cyclist, too, and competed in several local triathlons. At the time of his death, he had logged 475 riding miles for the month of July, working toward a goal of 500 miles by the 31st.

Scott is survived by his wife Deirdre, parents Larry and Joann, sister Stacy (Tom) Ruminer, and nephews Griffin, Sawyer, and Archer Ruminer and Henry and Cooper Askelson. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lester and Margaret Strickler, and Howard and Marcella Iliff; aunts Joyce, Jerry, and June; uncles Norman and Walter; and sister-in-law Tiffany.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Scott at 11:00am on Monday, August 17th at Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Fishers, 13450 East 116th Street. We hope you are able to arrive early for a special visitation starting at 9:30.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Scott’s name to Indiana Landmarks, or to the College 529 Savings Account for his nephew and Godson, Archer J. Ruminer. Please use the link below to connect directly to this savings account.