I had met John many times, in my good welding years, between 1996 and 2002 when I was associated with a number of welding suppliers and customers in the USA and Mexico.  I must say that John was one of the finest senior executives that I ever met with a great deal of humbleness in his persona.  A fine human being who would become the best friend to anyone.  Once more,  life proves to me how fragile and unpredictable it can be for we need to enjoy here and now whatever we have left to live.  Rest in peace John that wherever you ended up, after this your trip on earth, we shall join you shortly to continue this, our trip through this universe.

I am saddened to hear of the passing of John.  He was a great man.  May God hold you in his arms and comfort you.  I will pray for your family for comfort and peace today and everyday in the future.

Ever since meeting John, we enjoyed a genuine friendship. He knew how to work hard and play hard. How we laughed at our endless tennis matches. How we loved our Little League coaching in Naperville!  Bob
Oh John, how we battled our wills!  You always won. Why did I even try?!  
Marguerite 
We love you and will miss you endless teasing and great wit.  

Love always, Bob and Marguerite 

I have known John,  Mr. Stropki as I have always known him,  since I was a little girl. My parents and John and Liz have been  good friends since their college days. I will always remember John's laugh and his smile. He was always great fun to be around. He used to play with all of us children and chase us around playing games like "tag" and  "hide and seek".  John was always up for fun and when he was around you knew it was going to be a great time. Heaven just got a whole lot more fun and exciting  since John Stropki arrived! He had a  larger than life personality and his presence on this earth will be missed by those who loved and knew him well! 
My deepest sympathy to Liz, Suzanne, and John Michael.  May the wonderful memories you've created with your husband/father comfort and sustain you until your reunion with him in Heaven one day. 

With Deepest Sympathy, 
Jill De Mars Aker




Mary and I would like to convey sympathy to Liz and the Stropki family. 
Not only was John great leader at Lincoln Electric, he was even a better man. He rose through the ranks of Lincoln and became the last CEO and Chairman to be raised in the Lincoln culture. He got his position the old fashioned, he earned it!
He was appreciated and respected by all at Lincoln Electric . He embraced and cherished the Lincoln culture and all its employees. Those that heard him speak in good times and in bad could feel the emotion and sincerity John felt and projected.   
John treated me with respect and his door was always open for advice and suggestions when life changing decisions needed to be made . 
Good bye John, you left your mark at Lincoln Electric and your fellow employees. Your work is done, rest in peace. 

  

Dear Elizabeth and family,
I have known John since 2001 when I returned to the gas industry as President of Matheson Tri-Gas and John became the President of Lincoln Electric. W e had a great relationship that started as customer/Supplier and transcended into common charitable values like the Boy Scouts of America for one.  I smile every time I come into my home office and see the Scout statue John gave me for speaking at a Scout lunch for 950 people in downtown Cleveland he organized.  John was a true gentleman and leader that held values like those of Scouting high.  In every other situation I saw John work in from his staff at Lincoln to the industry associations he and have been part of in our careers he in my mind can only be described in two words, Class Act.  His actions spoke so loudly I didn't hear the words he said.  I will miss him greatly.  God bless you Elizabeth and your family at this most difficult time.
Judy and Bill Kroll

On behalf of the Lincoln family we send our sincere condolences. John was much liked and admired by our parents, Jim and Emma. I enjoyed our talks and occasional lunch in the shop’s cafeteria.  His charm, integrity, dedication and leadership will be well remembered and something to strive towards. We wish you peace and only the happiest of memories. 

John Stropki was my first boss with my first job after college starting in the Columbus Ohio office.   John inspired me. John was always focused on the customer as a top priority. John organized tomorrow today and had incredible work ethic.  I remember his love of the Browns and his love of family in addition to his keen business knowledge. I am grateful for having the opportunity to work with him and learn from his passion, energy and drive for excellence. RIP. 

When a person of John's caliber enters your life, you have been blessed.  Mo and I have many fond memories with John, Liz,  John Michael and Suzanne.  Lincoln events, PSU games, etc.  We are glad to have those indelible memories.  Our prayers are with the whole Stropki family, and our smiles can happen because John and Liz are people of such high character, motivating, caring, and very meaningful in so many peoples' lives.

My wife Judy and I send our heartfelt condolences to Liz, John, Suzanne and their entire family.
My brother Jerry and I shared too many adventures at Purdue to mention but our times with John will always be treasured.  God got a good man in John

Terry DeMars 

OBITUARY

John Michael Stropki Jr.

November 27, 1950 – May 11, 2019

DiCicco & Sons Funeral Homes

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