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John Strobel, born on July 2, 1936, to Virgil Earl and Willetta Theodore Strobel in Dodge City, Kansas, passed away on November 21 at the age of 87. He was survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Connie Strobel, children Karen Bienhoff and Mike (Heather) Strobel, as well as longtime friends, Ernie and Dolores Charlifue.

He grew up in Great Bend, Kansas, where he met the love of his life, Connie Pryor, in 1953. They were married in 1958 and lived a fulfilling 65 years together. John earned his doctoral degree in Musical Art from the University of Michigan in 1968 while teaching music at Southern Colorado State College (now Colorado State University - Pueblo). He earned the title of Professor Emeritus in 1993 after a successful career.

While excelling as a professor, he was involved in several community and church-based organizations. He was a member of the Pubelo College/Community Orchestra as well as the Colorado Springs Symphony Orchestra throughout the 1960s. He was also the Conductor of El Mariachi de Pueblo from 1975-1984. John served as a member of the City of Pueblo Sister City Commission, helping to build strong ties with our sister city Puebla, Mexico. John and Connie were members at St. Patrick Parish where John was a member of the Parish Council as well as Knights of Columbus. They then became devoted members of St. Mary Catholic Church.

John was a dedicated Ham radio operator on the SATERN and ALPAC, at one point serving as the net control for SATERN, He enjoyed his daily check-ins and made many long distance friends from all around the country.

Funeral services were held in Pueblo, Colorado. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Great Bend Cemetery, with Father John Stang presiding.