John "Jack" Strazer

John “Jack” Strazer passed away on January 3rd after a valiant battle with cancer. He was a quiet man but when surrounded by family he was a storyteller with a sly wit who embraced his family through love and sacrifice.

Born on November 16, 1934, he was the second son of Joe and Eudora (Wells) Strazer.

At 21, he served in the Army stationed in Missouri and later in New Mexico. Returning home, he met the love of his life, Dolores T. Majka. They married on April 4, 1959. As partners, they faced challenges with determination and created a lifetime of happy memories. They raised four children together- Michelle (Christopher Carter), Joe (Shannon), Andrew and Nicki (Wayne Hawkins.) Because John lost his father at a young age, he was determined to be the best father he could be. He taught his children the importance of learning - teaching his daughters to change tires and mufflers and encouraging his sons in each new building endeavor from treehouses to motorcycles. It is true, he was often found muttering to himself over the loss of a misplaced (or forgotten) tool.

Always ready for a laugh and a twinkle in his eye - he loved playing Rummy Royal and Monopoly, listening to music, dancing with his wife and daughters, and having an ice cold beer. Summer picnics always included a competitive family softball game.

A lifetime resident of Waukegan, he worked at the American Steel and Wire Company, twenty years for Baxter Laboratories and twelve years for Cardinal Health.

With a passion for travel, he and Dolores traveled to the east coast for Fall colors, visited a daughter in North Carolina, a son in Arizona, Las Vegas and Sturgis. Of all his travels, Door County, Wisconsin remained his favorite. He also traveled to Colorado and Nevada with his brother, Don Strazer for the 11th Airborne Division and 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team Reunions. Sadly, illness prevented him from visiting Alaska. His passion for travel was equaled only by his passion for reading especially westerns and thrillers closely followed by a love for classic movies.

Along with his wife and children, John leaves his beloved grandchildren – Aryanna, Jake, Majka, Teagan,

Tim, Brittany, Sophia and five great-grandchildren. John was a big man both in heart and stature and his family misses him terribly. We endeavor to embrace his legacy of hard work, familial love and support and laughter -- always.

Visitation will be held Tuesday from 9:30 – 11:30 AM at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N Cemetery Rd, Gurnee. Interment will follow at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in memory of Jack to BookTrust at www.booktrust.org/donate