Robert "Bob" John Stran, a devoted family man, dedicated firefighter, and man of deep faith, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on June 6, 2026.

Born on November 6, 1934, Bob was the third of four children born to Genevieve (Freedlund) and George Stran. Growing up in Batavia, Illinois, during the Great Depression and World War II, Bob nevertheless lived a remarkably happy and adventurous childhood. Often seen with his younger brother, Billy, by his side Bob grew up surrounded by a large network of nearby relatives, instilling in him a profound, lifelong appreciation for the bonds of family.

On April 27, 1957, Bob married his first love, Carol Wolff, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the Army Reserve. Settled into family life, misfortune struck the young couple when both of their fathers passed away unexpectedly during the same weekend in 1962. Relying on their faith, they supported each other and their family during this difficult time.

Bob and Carol were blessed with four children: Gary, Mike, Jim, and Connie. Bob filled their lives with the outdoors, with countless camping and fishing adventures. In 1982, Bob and Carol began square dancing, a hobby that would weave joy and community throughout his life. Just 3 years later Carol was struck by cancer and was compassionately cared for by Bob until her passing.

The Sugar Squares encouraged Bob back onto the dance floor. He then began dancing with Judy Hill. Dancing quickly turned into love and the two were married on May 27, 1988. Bob embraced Judy’s two children, James and Kaycee, loving them as his own. Bob and Judy shared a beautiful, vibrant marriage, and after retirement, they were almost never apart. Together, they lived each day as a true blessing. They filled their years with family and friends as they traveled across the country and the world, supporting grandsons sporting everts, biking with close friends, wintering in Arizona, attending plays/shows, and square dancing. After moving to Rochelle in 2019, Bob enjoyed frequent trips to the RR Park, reviving the love of trains instilled in him by his dad.

Bob first worked at Barber-Greene in Aurora, then to Furnas Electric in Batavia, followed by a job in Elgin at Kane Accounting Service. As a boy in Batavia, he chased firetrucks on his bicycle to watch the action. In 1959, that childhood passion became a reality when he joined the Batavia Fire Department as a paid-on-call firefighter. In 1970, he left his job in Elgin and accepted a full-time firefighter position with Batavia FD. Bob loved being a firefighter—so much so that he occasionally volunteered his time to ride with Chicago FD, because “Batavia didn’t have enough fires”. Promotions led to him as Deputy Chief in the 1980s, a role he held until retirement in 1992. After retirement, his dedication to public safety never wavered, and for seven years he served with the Elburn FD.

Bob’s life was anchored by a quiet, deep faith. He walked life's major milestones—his baptism, first communion, and confirmation—at Bethany Lutheran Church in Batavia. As part of Faith Lutheran Church in Rochelle, he and Judy joined an active and welcoming community that provided immense faith, strength and support.

Many were surprised by Bob’s preference for classical music and opera. He loved playing high school football and a couple years with the Aurora Clippers. Later his passion became golfing; both playing and watching on TV. He was a vocal fan, cheering for his grandchildren and his bonus Chadwick grandchildren in their chosen sports. Bob had a remarkable memory and attention to detail, especially with history, and loved watching Jeopardy. Bob had a profound ability and willingness to connect deeply and support his friends and family. He was especially attentive and loving to his mother and mother-in-law when they became widows.

Bob is reunited in heaven with his first wife, Carol (Wolff) Stran, his son, Gary Stran, his granddaughter, Rachel Stran, his parents, George and Genevieve (Freedlund) Stran, his siblings and spouses Kenneth (Joyce) Stran, and Carmen (David) Anderson.

Bob’s legacy of love lives on through his beloved wife, Judith Hill Stran; his brother, Bill (Melinda) Stran of Fairfield Glade, TN; his children: Mike (Gay) Stran of Lake Geneva, WI, Jim (Sharon) Stran of Batavia, Connie (Rusty) Blankenship of DeKalb, James (Kristi Karpenko) Leifheit of Leavenworth, WA, and Kaycee (Paul) Chadwick of Rochelle; his grandchildren: Matt (Sarah Balgord) Stran, Lauren Stran, Paul (Alexis) Stran, Caroline Stran, John Chadwick, Joey Chadwick, Jimmy Chadwick, Jacob Chadwick, and Justin Chadwick; and his great-grandchildren: Charlotte Stran, Winona Stran, and Rowan Stran. Also surviving are his in-laws: Joan Johnson of Polo, Jean (Steve) Rogers of Diamondhead, MS and Robert Hill of Rochelle.

Visitation will be Friday June 12 at Unger Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle from 4 to 6 pm. The service to celebrate Bob’s life will be at 11 am Saturday June 13 at Faith Lutheran Church 14206 East Flagg Road, Rochelle. Burial will be private.

Memorial donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 14206 East Flagg Road, Rochelle, IL 61068 or National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, 2130 Priest Bridge Drive, Suite 6, Crofton, MD 21114-2457