Robert “Bob” J. Strathman, 92, of Seneca passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2019 at Life Care Center of Seneca.

Bob was born October 24, 1926 in Seneca to Joseph H. and Appolonia Fangman Strathman. He attended grade school and high school at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Seneca, graduated high school with the Class of 1944. As a youth, he worked at the family owned business, purchased in 1926, Seneca Bottling Plant and Wholesale; as well as, the Gillford Hotel as a Bell Hop.

He entered the US Navy and served in World War II from 1944-1946. At the end of the war, he returned to civilian life. On November 11, 1950 Bob had the great fortune to marry Grace Block at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. The couple raised five children and celebrated 63 ½ years of marriage. Bob spent his entire life working at Seneca Wholesale Company, Inc; and the business remains in the family. In retirement his schedule included daily coffee at multiple locations throughout town and regular visits to residents at local nursing facilities. He never met a stranger; he enjoyed visiting with everyone he met.

Bob enjoyed simple pleasures and sweets. He enjoyed driving and traveling the backroads and reminiscing about communities of the past. He loved history, especially local history, the history of steam engines and the American Civil War. He was an avid reader. Among his endearing qualities were his kind and generous heart and his love of his family and his community.

Bob was a life-long member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, the St. Joseph’s Society, the Seneca Memorial Post #7458 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Earl W. Taylor Post #21 of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus Council 1769, all in Seneca.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Appolonia in 1979 and 1996 respectively; a grandson, Keith Strathman in 2007; and siblings, Joseph Strathman, Betty Winterscheidt, Mildred Jilka, Arthur Strathman, William Strathman and Judith Oden.

He is survived by children, Richard Strathman of Seneca, Donald (Julie) Strathman of Seneca, Jean Stueve of Topeka, Ellen Rowland of Lee Summit, MO and Max (Shyla) Strathman of Lawrence; siblings, Lyle (Bernie) Strathman of Mt. Vernon, IA and Rose Mary Riley of Lawrence; 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. A nephew, Chris Strathman held a special place in Bob and Grace’s heart.

Rosaries will be prayed at the Lauer Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 26th at 2 & 7 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 AM on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery, with military honors.

Memorials may be left in Bob’s memory to Sts. Perter & Paul Catholic Church and/or Coins for a Cause.

Lauer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .