Obituary of Francis Strobeck

Francis Strobeck Francis Strobeck, 83, of Camas, Washington passed away peacefully at home on March 31st from complications of Alzheimer's disease. Francis was born on February 5th, 1934 in Stanley North Dakota and came to Vancouver, WA when he was five years old. He lived in Clark County, WA the rest of his life. He was a State Farm agent in Camas for 32 years. Francis was a Korean War veteran serving in the navy from 1951 to 1955 and then the navy reserves from 55~59. During his time as a State Farm agent Francis was beloved by his customers because of his kindness, integrity, honesty and empathy. Over his career he loaned out his personal car several times to clients whose cars had been damaged in an accident and more than a few times he wrote personal checks to help people out until their insurance settlements arrived. After Francis retired in '96 former clients continued for a time, to call him at home asking for help and advice. Francis always made time for them. Beyond his business with State Farm, in February 1974 Francis helped expand the concessions stand at Louis Bloch Park by using his concrete, electrical and building knowledge and his hard work. Many many families have used that concession stand over the years including his own sons. In 2000 while his son Adam attended the University of Washington Francis built a sauna room at the Delta Chi Fraternity for the boys to use. He also built ladders for the bunk beds in the rooms so the boys wouldn't have to step on the lower bed to get to the top bed. He made these improvements giving his time and money never expecting anything in return. Every home Francis lived in, he improved. He could build anything and fix anything. He remodeled a cabin in Northwoods, Cougar, WA turning it into an amazing retreat. Some of his happiest moments were spent fishing on the Swift Reservoir for trout. He also on numerous occasions helped family members with hours of his time remodeling, painting, sheet rocking, and plumbing. Francis was a quiet man who never tooted his own horn. He was a gentleman and as his mother used to say "a gentle man", who helped others quietly, never asking for anything in return and never talking about the help he had given. For those of us who knew and loved Francis he is our example of the Good Samaritan, a role-model of generosity and selflessness who will never be forgotten. Francis is survived by his wife of 31 years Linda Strobeck, his sons Kim Taree , Adam Strobeck, his daughter Julie Strobeck, his step-daughter Amy Reed, his former wife Jacqueline Strobeck and his brother Dick Gretsch. He was preceded in death by his son Kirk Strobeck and half-brother Jim Gretsch. There will be a celebration service on Saturday April 22, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Center Church. 10702 NE 117th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98662 360 253-2484. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at Alz.org as a memorial gift in Francis Strobeck's name. To send condolences, please visit straubsfuneralhome.com.