Bruce E. Strejc passed peacefully after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. He was 70 years old. Beloved husband of Thelma for 45 years; loving father of Donna Dean, Nick (Maggie) Strejc, John (Brighid) Strejc; cherished grandfather of Abbey and Becca Loague, Adeline and Chris Strejc.
Born in Cicero, IL in 1951 to Edward and Mary Strejc, Bruce was the third of four children. As a young man, he enlisted in the Navy and served his country in ports around the world for four years. He was proud of his service and honored fellow veterans whenever possible. Later, in his 40-year career as a Local #701 IBEW electrician, he masterfully helped to build homes and businesses throughout the Chicagoland area. He was a skilled craftsman who could help with any project or idea you imagined. A huge sports fan, he loved cheering on the Chicago Bears and Blackhawks.
He married Thelma R. Strejc, nee Schratzmeier, and they spent more than 30 years in their Elmhurst home before settling into retired life in Mosinee, Wisc., in 2009.
Bruce was a lifelong fisherman and avid outdoorsman; he loved the Wisconsin lakeshore. He enjoyed over 40 years at the cottage he and Thelma shared with their children on Big Saint Germain. Together, they loved fishing, hosting family and friends, and building memories together.
Bruce is preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Thelma; an infant daughter, Annie; his parents, Edward and Mary Strejc; brothers John and Rick; sister Carol, and is survived by his sister-in-law Carol, cousin Charlene, goddaughter Lindsay, and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Bruce will be remembered as a charismatic and comedic husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He will be missed by so many. A burial and celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and friends in Illinois.
