1936-2018
Leroy Strubberg was a founding member of the Union R-XI School District Foundation and served as its official accountant until his son, James, took over in the middle 2000s. Strubberg filled a crucial role in both the formation of the Foundation and, later, its day-to-day operation.
Because public school educational support charities with IRS tax-exempt status were a true rarity in the 1980s and 1990s, the way forward for the fledgling group was considerably unforeseeable. With the same leadership and integrity that he had shown in creating so many other landmark Union service organizations, Strubberg helped grow the young charity into what has become one of the most solvent and active education foundations in a town the size of Union in the state of Missouri. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with Mark Vincent, Sam Stausing, Ray Arand, and the other early Foundation leadership team, he helped the first 501(c)3 public school foundation in Missouri become the gold standard for all those like organizations that would follow.
Sadly, the community of Union lost Leroy Strubberg with his passing in 2018. For more information about Leroy’s life and work, please read the following excerpt from his OltmannFuneralHome.com obituary. We reprint it here in honor of Leroy’s selfless service to the city of Union and the schools that have given it generations of like-minded leaders.
“Leroy A. Strubberg was born May 29, 1936 in Washington, MO; the son of the late Edwin J. Strubberg and his wife Rose nee` Gildehaus. He passed away Sunday, September 2, 2018 surrounded by his family.
Leroy attended Immaculate Conception Grade School in Union, MO and graduated from St. Francis Borgia High School in 1954. He then went on to attend St. Louis University. He graduated with a B.S. in Accounting in 1960. Leroy was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Dierking November 10, 1957 at Immaculate Conception Church in Union, MO. The couple made their home in Union and moved to New Haven, MO in 1974. Leroy owned and operated two accounting offices for 43 years, one in Union, MO and a second in New Haven, MO.
Leroy was an accomplished Account and was recognized nationwide for his achievements. In 1990 he was awarded the Accountant of the Year by the National Society of Public Accountants, he also served as their State Director from 1972-1976. He also served on the IRS Commissioners Advisory and was Chairman for the National Society of Public Accountants Federal Taxation Committee. He was awarded Missouri Society of Accountants Outstanding Achievement Award in 1985. He was chosen to be on the St. Louis IRS District Director and Liaison Committee for four years and served as the Kansas City IRS Service Center Liaison. Leroy served as President of the Missouri Society of Accountants in 1974 and President of the National Society of Accountants in 1996.
While Leroy was very accomplished in his career and professional life he was even more dedicated to his local community and was most proud of his volunteer work close to home. He was a member of the Union Volunteer Fire Department for 62 years and served on all committees and ranks. He was captain for 6 years as well. Leroy was also a member of the Union Rotary for 61 years and had perfect attendance for 48 years. He was a past member of the Union Jaycees and the Franklin County Fair Board. He was one of the organizers for the Franklin County Cattleman’s Association and was a member for 48 years as well as a member of the National Cattleman’s Association for 35 years. Leroy was a founding member of the Union Ambulance District and instrumental in establishing the Emergency Numbering System for Franklin County. He served on the United Way Board, the Financial Committee for Emmaus Home and the East Central College Accounting Advisory Board. In addition, he served on the Union Chamber of Commerce, the Industrial Development Corporation, Union R-XI Foundation and was one of the founders of the First State Community Bank. Leroy was awarded the Union Jaycees Outstanding Young Man in 1972, Fireman of the Year in 1972, Future Farmers of America Civic Award in 1976, Union Volunteer Fire Department Life Saving Award in 1985 and 1986, Missouri Life Saving Award in 1983 and 1987, the Distinguished Service Award in 1993, and the Long Haul Award in 2006. Leroy was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church and was a 3rd Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Melvin, Eldo and Ewald Strubberg.
He is survived by his wife Ruth Ann Strubberg nee` Dierking of New Haven, MO; two daughters, Kathy Langenberg and husband David of Washington, MO and Julie Gaugh and husband Chet of Union, MO; two sons, Jim Strubberg and wife Sharon and Tom Strubberg and wife Kim both of New Haven, MO; nine grandchildren and Six Great-Grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Carol Henderson and Janette Strubberg both of Union, MO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral mass was held Thursday September 6, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Union, MO with Rev. Joe Post officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
The Strubberg family was served by the Oltmann Funeral Home in Union, MO.”
[“Leroy Strubberg Obituary – Visitation & Funeral Information.” Obituary – Visitation & Funeral Information, 2018, Accessed May 4, 2019. www.oltmannfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Leroy-A-Strubberg?obId=3258597.]