Norman F. Strauel

The Strauel Family is deeply saddened at the passing of their patriarch, Norm.

Norman Frank Strauel, age 89, went home to be with the Lord on December 14, 2019, at home with his beloved wife, Marjorie, at his side.

Norm was born on November 5, 1930 in Aurora, Illinois, the second son of Frank and Angeline, nee Teuerle, Strauel. Norm was raised in a small house on Mill Street in downtown Naperville, Illinois and attended Naperville High School.  One day as a high school senior driving near the school, an especially pretty girl caught Norm’s eye, and he offered her a ride.  This, Norm would soon learn, was to become the love of life, Marjorie Rose Steininger. The two married at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Naperville on November 18, 1950.  They soon started a family and would raise three children.  Norm and Marge settled and raised their family in Downers Grove, where they lived for 43 years until moving to the Carillon community in Plainfield in 1998.  

Norm proudly served his country as a Corporal in the US Army for two years, Stationed in Germany 1953-1954, during the Korean War. 

Norm was the beloved husband of Marjorie, nee Steininger; loving father of David (Karen), Randy (Nancy), and Lori Strauel; cherished grandfather of Beth (Chuck) Goff, Brian (Daniella) Strauel, Sarah (Trevir) Gentile, Lisa (Julio Perez) Strauel, Allyssa Fogarty and the late Janine Strauel; adoring great-grandfather of Evan Strauel and Trevir Jr., Payton, and Calvin Gentile, and Jackson Perez; dear father-in-law of Chris Strauel; fond uncle of Kurtis (Jennifer) Strauel.   

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Donald, granddaughter Janine and grandson-in-law Marc.

Everyone who knew Norm knew he was a family man. There was nothing wouldn't do for any of them.  Attending to Margie during the day and tucking her in bed at night was all in an average day for Norm.  

Of utmost importance for Norm was his faith.  He was raised in Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Parish in Naperville, attended grade school there and was always active in the parishes where he belonged, whether in Naperville, Downers Grove or Plainfield. Even to the end, he prayed everyday.

He also loved to tinker at his workbench or in his garage.  Norm could often be found helping neighbors too.  Taking in their garbage cans after pick up was a favorite pastime.  

Norm loved his animals, owning several dogs and cats during his lifetime.  At the time grandkids came into Norm’s life, he owned a dog named KC, so the young grandchildren called him Grandpa KC.  He didn’t only love his own animals; he loved anyone’s animals.  On visits to family member’s homes, he would always sneak table scraps to their dogs, even against the owner’s requests.  

Norm was always a hard worker. He was a heavy equipment operator and a member of the Operating Engineers Union for 32 years.  He worked as a foreman for the Downers Grove Township Highway Department for 13 years.  He had many interesting stories of operating the big backhoes and other equipment, pulling up large boulders from the ground, installing underground water mains and a couple near accidents.

During most of Norm’s adult life, he owned and rode a motorcycle.  Having a few Honda Goldwings,  Norm was not ready to put the kickstand down until he owned a Harley Davidson. He took great pride in his 1994 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic. He and Marge traveled about 150,000 miles, pulling a trailer behind the bike to haul things they would buy along the way and visiting 38 of the United States with a great group of friends. Norm loved the sights, sounds and smells of the open road. One of his favorite trips was to the Sturgis Motorcycle rally in South Dakota.

Norm was selfless, kindhearted, caring and generous.

Family and Friends are invited to join for Visitation to be held Wednesday, December 18, 2019 from 3:00-8:00 pm at Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Homes and Crematory, 516 S. Washington St., Naperville.  Funeral will begin at the funeral home Thursday, December 19, 2019 at 9:00 am and proceed to St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 505 Kingston Dr., Romeoville for Mass at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers and in loving memory of Norm, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.StJude.org.  

Norm’s family invites you to visit the “Condolences” and “Photos” tabs of this memorial to leave a message or memory or to upload a photograph.

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