Fred Strube Sr.

October 5, 1939 - November 21, 2019

Fred Merle Strube, Sr., age 80 years, a resident of St. Cloud, Florida and a native of Peoria, Illinois, passed away Thursday afternoon, November 21, 2019, at his home. Fred was born October 5, 1939 in Peoria, IL. He was the son of Henry James and Ida M. (Mitzelfelt) Strube. Fred was united in marriage to Cindy Mechling. She survives. In addition to his wife, Fred is survived by: a daughter – Karen (Mike) Getz of Bartonville, Illinois, son - Fred (Lisa) Strube, Jr. of St. Cloud, Florida, son - Darrell (Debbie) Strube of Orlando, Florida and daughter - Stephanie Strube of Lamar, Colorado; a brother – Chuck Strube of St. Cloud, Florida; a sister – Darlene Reed Cornish of Peoria; 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by 5 brothers – Howard, Hank, Jim, John and Floyd Strube. Fred was a successful owner and operator of Fred Strube Automotive for over 25 years in Peoria before moving to St. Cloud and opening Winner Air. Fred continued his love for cars into “retirement” building SCCA and GT-1 racecars for some top drivers. Fred was an avid stock car racer himself for over 40 years. He is fondly remembered for his love of “anything with an engine and four wheels.” “The time has come for me to leave this life. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” The family will receive relatives and friends from 1 PM – 4 PM followed by a service honoring the life of Fred Strube, Sr., Friday, November 29, 2019, at 4 PM at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, 405 Rusche Avenue, Creve Coeur, Illinois. Private interment will be in the Cypress Cemetery, Cypress, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Regional Office, 2141 W. White Oaks Drive, Suite A, Springfield, Illinois 62704 www.heart.org To share a memory of Fred or to leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.baileyfh.com