Mary Barbara Strunk

July 15, 1930 ~ November 5, 2019
Mary Barbara Strunk, 89, of Princeton, Illinois passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at Cabin Livin' Senior Care in Hennepin, Illinois.
She was born July 15, 1930 in Spring Valley, Illinois the daughter of Earl and Lillian (Gurnett) Oakson. Barb married Capt. William Howard Strunk at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Tiskilwa, Illinois on February 27, 1954. He preceded her in death April 30, 1959.
Surviving are 3 children: Rebecca (Tom Swan) Pace of Princeton, Lisa (Gregg) Gondolfi of Ottawa, IL, and Anthony William "Bill" Strunk of Tacoma, Washington; 5 grandchildren: Whitney (Kent) Tyne of Lake Thunderbird, IL and sons: Tyler Tyne of Dover, DE and Dillon Tyne of Princeton, IL, William "Billy" Pace of Denver, Colorado, Joseph (Drake) Gondolfi of Chicago, IL, Samuel (Emily) Gondolfi of Ottawa, IL, and Antonio "Tony" Gondolfi, of Ottawa, IL; one sister, Norma Jeanne Oakson of Kankakee, IL; 5 sisters- in law: Yolanda Oakson, Pat Oakson, Diane Steinhagen, Patricia Landrum, and Silvia Forward; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers: Joseph, Thomas, and Richard Oakson, and one son, Scott Strunk.
Barb graduated from Tiskilwa High School with the Class of 1948. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing at St. Francis in Peoria.
She worked for the Red Cross, Perry Memorial Hospital, and Prairie View Nursing Home. Lastly she worked for many years in downtown Princeton at Country Casuals for her dear friend Marge Johnson.
Barb had a special devotion to her faith, the Rosary, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was very involved at St. Louis Catholic Church, where she served on the Parish Council and was a member of the CCW. She was a board member of Greenfield for 30 years. Barb selflessly cared for her friends and family throughout her entire life. She was loved by many and will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. She will be so missed but we are happy knowing that she has been reunited with her loved ones that have gone before her.
Cremation rites will be accorded and a visitation will be Saturday, November 9, 2019 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton from 9:00-11:00 a.m., with a Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. following the visitation at the church. Burial will take place in Oakland Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Greenfield Retirement Home, Princeton. Online Condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.
With our deepest sympathy, we are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Barb was an amazing woman who has blessed many lives. Peace and Joy to all of her family and friends as you celebrate her wonderful life.
Becky
I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I remember her being such a kind and wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers to your family.