John Strobel, born July 2nd, 1936 to Virgil Earl and Willetta Theodore Strobel in Dodge City, Kansas, passed away November 21 at the age of 87. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Connie Strobel, children Karen Bienhoff and Mike (Heather) Strobel, as well as longtime friends Ernie and Dolores Charlifue.  

He grew up in Great Bend, Kansas, where he met the love of his life, Connie Pryor, in 1953. They were married in 1958 and lived a fulfilling 65 years together. John earned his doctoral degree in Musical Arts from the University of Michigan in 1968 while teaching music at Southern Colorado State College (now Colorado State University - Pueblo). He earned the title of Professor Emeritus in 1993 after a successful career.  

While excelling as a professor, he was involved in several community and church based organizations. He was a member of the Pueblo College/Community Orchestra as well as the Colorado Springs Symphony Orchestra throughout the 1960s. He was also the Conductor of El Mariachi de Pueblo from 1975-1984. John served as a member of the City of Pueblo Sister City Commission, helping to build strong ties with our sister city Puebla, Mexico. John and Connie were members of St. Patrick Parish where John was a member of the Parish Council as well as Knights of Columbus. They then became devoted members of St. Mary Catholic Church.

John was a dedicated Ham radio operator on the SATERN and ALPAC , at one point serving as the net control for SATERN. He enjoyed his daily check-ins and made many long distance friends from all around the country. 

Services are being held in Pueblo, CO with graveside service in Great Bend at a later date.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 5, 2023