Donna E. Strunk
July 10, 1934 - October 27, 2024
Donna E. (Meils) Strunk of Western Springs passed away on October 27, 2024, at home, following a period of declining health. She was 90 at the time of her death.
Donna was preceded in death by Henry D. ("Hank") Strunk, her husband of 60 years. She is survived by three daughters, Susan (Terry), Jane (John), and Sarah (Tom); two grandchildren, Judson (Alyssa) and Elizabeth (Matthew); and one great-grandchild (Henry).
Donna was born in Pontiac, Illinois, on July 10, 1934, to Judson and Hilda Meils. Her early years were spent in Flanagan, Illinois, where she met Hank, the love of her life, when he moved down the block during her freshman year in high school. They married in 1955, after her junior year of college. She graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1956 with a degree in Home Economics Education and taught at Urbana Junior High School followed by Riverside-Brookfield High School until the birth of her first child.
Donna was the family matriarch and a friend to all, living life in service to others. She was an elementary school room mother, PTA member, Girl Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, and more. She could whip up a well-balanced gourmet meal in less than 30 minutes with just a few ingredients. The first to bring a freshly baked pie to any friend or acquaintance in need, Donna was also an exceptional listener and a prolific note writer, sending handwritten cards with kind words for almost any occasion. A skilled seamstress, she made dozens of dresses for her daughters' school dances and weddings. A gifted pianist, she loved music and could play hundreds of songs by ear. She was a faithful 64-year member of the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs, serving in many leadership roles, including elder, deacon, confirmation sponsor, and president of Presbyterian Women. Being Grammy to Jud and Elizabeth, traveling with Hank, mastering jigsaw puzzles, and following the Fighting Illini brought her joy later in life.
Donna led by example with her unmatched work ethic, project management skills, and grace under pressure. We will miss her wry sense of humor, kindness, honesty, and keen interest in the weather.
A visitation will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs on Friday, November 15 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs or to a charity of the donor's choosing.
