Ray George Strobel

Please note that the services for Ray Strobel have been scheduled. 

Ray G. Strobel, 75, of the Lake Geneva area passed away unexpectedly at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center.

Ray was born to the late Walter and Lorena (Turnbull) Strobel on July 15th, 1944 in Chicago Illinois.  On August 22, 1993 Ray was married to Jo Melinda Shankles.  

Ray wants it known that he has died.  His death was a result of Ray Being Ray, refusing to follow doctors’ orders along with over seven decades of living life exactly as he wanted.  Ray enjoyed drinking, young beautiful women, fine minds (mostly his), writing and creating ideas… many ideas of which he even finished and made into books.  One of Ray’s most loved phrases was, there is an idea in every bottle of wine.  Ray was a Renaissance man, his day to day life marked the epitome of other people’s life-long bucket lists.  He found joy in small things and brought joy to many of the people he met.  Ray made friends and enemies with equal force.  His carefree personality drew a crowd, Ray loved attention…. Unless the Michigan State game was on, then stand clear and Be QUIET!  Ray was a Peter Pan, the idea of growing up never crossed his mind.  His wife, JoBelle, was Ray’s biggest fan and best support in this realm we commoners call reality.  JoBelle made sure Ray wasn’t troubled by trifles.  The couple shared their love of animals, traveling, fine dining, close friendships and a really good martini.  Ray will be forever cherished and adored by everyone who came to know that on the inside, Ray’s heart was gold.

Services for Ray will be held on Saturday June 20th at 5:30 in the afternoon in the main chapel of Derrick Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 4:00pm till the time of service at the funeral home. 

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy Ray’s family have asked that you make a donation to the Lakeland Animal Shelter.  A link has been provided below.

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