John was born July 4, 1947 in Litchfield, IL. to John and Olga 'Buskohl' Strong. The family moved to Fremont in 1948 when John was a baby. In 1950 John lost his parents to a fire. He was raised by his Aunt and Uncle LaVere & Elvira Heller. John was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Fremont where he was raised. He graduated from Fremont High School in 1965. He attended a trade school for a year and then worked for the City of Fremont, and briefly served in the U.S. Army. John eventually moved to Snyder and began his work for the Smeal Companies there.
John was a member of the Snyder Fire and Rescue. He served for a number of years as the secretary of the Snyder Rescue.
Survivors:
Aunt - Elvira Heller of Oakland
numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and special friends.
The memorial service 1:00 P.M. at the Snyder Auditorium. Committal will be at 3:30 P.M. at Memorial Cemetery in Fremont. Memorials may be made to the Snyder Rescue Unit.
Condolences(7)
Beth Schneider
Snyder, NE Thursday, July 10, 2008 I enjoyed working with John at Smeals and being on the fire department with him. He was a nice guy and helpful when I had questions about parts at Smeals. We will miss him very much!!Andrea Smeal
Snyder, NE Wednesday, July 9, 2008Gary Boies
Fremont, Ne Tuesday, July 8, 2008 John may you rest in piece. I will always remember some of the talks we had when we were in school together and when you would stop at my folks place on Lincoln. May your family members always remember as the great guy I always knew in school. Rest in peace l'il buddy. GaryNorman Kieffer
Ravenswood, WV Monday, July 7, 2008 I have had the pleasure of dealing with John for several years and he has helped me with alot of different transactions and problems. I and the other people here at Dill's Fire and Safety will truely miss John, he was a good man, it was a real blessing to know him.Lee Church
Sherwood, Ar Monday, July 7, 2008 I became aquainted with John around 1994 in my dealings with Smeal Fire Apparatus. I admired John for his dedication as a Volunteer Firefighter. He was always very helpful and came through for me when I needed parts from Smeal. John knew his job and cared for his community. He was always friendly and had kind words to say whenever I visited Snyder. John will be sorely missed!Jack Swanson
Omaha, Ne Saturday, July 5, 2008 Buddy was a good friend in High School. My Grandfather was Fire Chief in Fremont when the fire happen at his parents home. He would tell me how he carried buddy to a window and gave him to another fire fighter. Rest in Peace.Carl E "Rick" Strong
Fremont, NE Saturday, July 5, 2008 John, I always remember the family gathering when we talked and played games of cards and other games together. It seems like only yesterday. I know you had some rather sad beginnings to your life. But I know you had some good times as well. The Strong family has always been a close family who dealt with each tragic event together. We take what life gives us, but God gives us his grace and strength through family and friends to make it through these times. Now you are with Him and will see Him face to face. You will be with your Parents and get to know them better. For I know a three year olds memory is not enough. Rest in Peace dear Cousin and know that you are still loved and remembered by all.