Rochelle

Steven Conrad Strang, 74, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2025 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois.  Steve was born on November 7, 1950 to Calvin E. and Lorraine (Baker) Strang in Rochelle, IL.  During the Vietnam era, he proudly served with the United States Navy as a Seabee.  On June 5, 2004, he married Sally Sawicki in Lindenwood, IL.

Steve had an incredible sense of humor.  Holiday decorations were a favorite and went along with his famous role as the area's best Santa Claus.  He enjoyed gardening and was a gifted handyman.  Steve's strong faith and deep love for his family and friends enabled him to continue living everyday to the fullest despite ALS stripping him of the use of his arms.  He and Sally were blessed by so much help from his children, the VA and many friends who were there for him during this difficult six+ year period dealing with ALS.

Steve is survived by his wife, Sally of Rochelle; five children: Wendy (Michael) Schmitt of Rochelle, Jennifer (David) Edwards of Mocksville, NC, Master Sgt. Brandon (Danelle) Strang of Jacksonville, NC, Crystal McRoberts of Waterman, IL and Natalie (Joe) Wolf of Sycamore, IL; four sisters: Sue (Denny) Golden, Karen (Roger) Pearson, Christy (Al) Hawkins and Lisa (Charlie) Woodworth; sister-in-law, Sue Sawicki; 16 grandchildren: Sydney (Ben) Webster, Tyler (Amber) Isham-Schmitt, Dylan Isham, Kristen Schmitt, Eryn Vesta, James (Lily) Vesta, Jr., Jacobi Peterson and Zoe McCauley, Andrea (Tom) Carlson, Cody McRoberts, Adin Strang, Elizabeth and Ava Clark, Gavin, Caden and Owen Wolf; and four great grandchildren: Ezra and Eliana Webster, Jordan Carlson and Camilla Ramirez.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Hailey Hershberger.

The visitation will be from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M., Monday, October 6, 2025 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, October 7 at Lindenwood Union Church, 101 Galena Street, Lindenwood, IL with Pastor Dave Rogula officiating.  Burial will follow the service at St. Patrick Cemetery in Rochelle with military honors provided by the US Navy Honor Guard.  Memorials may be made in Steve's memory to ALS United of Greater Chicago, 5315 N. Clark #650, Chicago, IL 60640 or to the Flagg Township Museum.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.