Robert W. Strode

Bob exemplified the meaning of “a life well lived.” He will be remembered for his independence, sense of humor and quick wit, honesty and integrity in everything he touched, and his unconditional love and support for his family and friends.

Born May 31, 1934 in Forrest, IL to Fred Robert and Mildred Ann (Simpson) Strode, Bob was raised in Pekin, IL along with one sister, Dorothy Erxleben and two brothers, David Strode and James Strode, and a stepfather, Louis Berra, all of whom preceded him in death.

Growing up in the depression era shaped Bob’s strong work ethic, ambition and family values he would carry with him throughout life. In his youth, Bob would take any job he could find to help out the family. He held a paper route, worked on the railroad, delivered blocks of ice, delivered bread, sold rat poison, and on and on. It seemed as if any job you named he would reply, “I did that once.”

Bob attended Pekin Community High School and excelled in wrestling. He was a member of the 1950 Varsity Squad that won the Big 12 Championship and fourth place in the State Tournament. After his junior year, Bob left school for a new job joining the United States Navy to serve as a radio operator on the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier. His travels took him throughout the Mediterranean Sea and around South America over the next four years and he would faithfully send money home to his mother.

In August of 1955, when Bob had just recently returned from the Navy, he would meet Helen Grubb at Nelo’s Bar in Pekin, IL launching one of the great love stories of all time. They were married on June 3, 1956 and it proved to be the perfect partnership building a life together filled with love, laughter, adventure, and happiness. It’s hard to envision two souls more connected and committed to each other. Helen survives him. Bob became a licensed real estate agent that same year and soon started at Pekin Insurance working in the print shop. Helen worked at Caterpillar in East Peoria.

The next three decades were filled with raising a family, building a business and a new passion for Bob, golf. In the 1960s, Bob and Helen had three daughters, Lori (Wes Jacobson) Strode of Dunlap, Sandy (Kurt) Zuercher and Julie (John) Campbell, both of Pekin; one son, Robert M. (Jennifer) Strode of Morton who all survive him. Helen stayed home to raise the family after Lori was born and Bob moved up the ranks at Pekin Insurance from the print shop to become an underwriter then worked as a field representative. In April of 1965, he became the Owner and President of Clifton-Strode Insurance and Real Estate located in Peoria and Pekin. Bob was a member and past president of the Pekin Area Board of Realtors and a member of the Peoria Board of Realtors. He also founded R Home Warranty and created U-Market offering options for people to sell their home for reduced commissions. Owning a business proved to be a perfect fit for Bob as he loved the challenge and the freedom to make his own decisions. He also proved to be quite a shrewd business owner possessing the charisma to sell products, the desire to always be learning and applying innovative ideas and the street smarts to recognize the good deals from the bad ones. He was able to successfully run a local business for over five decades through seven recessions and countless competitors.

Bob was equally as dedicated and successful raising a family with Helen. He provided every opportunity for his children from dance lessons, musical instruments, sports, etc. and would be there for the recitals, concerts and events. He was there for the awards banquets, the graduations, and paid the college tuition for all four of his children. He was there to walk his daughters down the aisle and was the Best Man at his son’s wedding. He always showed up and participated in all aspects of our lives setting an example of what it means to be a father. He also passed on his love for golf to his children making sure they had lessons and participated in Junior Golf at Pekin Country Club where he was a member for over 50 years and founding member of the Noon Group. He loved to play, watch, and talk golf. He taught himself to play and was a single digit handicap for years. His favorite course was Pebble Beach and he was able to play it twice. Bob and Helen would do extended travel during the winter months and would often follow the PGA Tour tournaments out West along the way.

The 1990’s and early 2000’s brought seven grandchildren, Allie Zuercher, Sarah (Bryce) Barnes, Megan Campbell, Nicholas Campbell, Jake Zuercher, Robert A. Strode and Bailey Strode. They all survive him. The grandchildren allowed us the opportunity to see him teach all over again. He taught them how to love, have fun, be silly, be funny, play golf, and how amazing a family Christmas together can be. The grandchildren brought a burst of energy through the door that reenergized Bob every afternoon.

He was smart, funny, a role model, problem-solver, a doer, a forever optimist, confident and fearless in his pursuits. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, friend, and a golf partner. He was the person you gravitated towards at a party and who’s table you hoped to seated at for a wedding reception. He also had an uncanny way of always being right. He was our “go to person” for advice and perspective for life decisions, careers, raising kids, or fixing a golf swing. We miss him terribly.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Antioch Cemetery in rural Tremont, with military rites accorded by the United States Navy.

Memorial contributions may be made to Brad Campbell Memorial Golf Outing, 3302 Sheridan Road, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com