Vern Strebe

CSM Vern Carl Strebe; US Army Retired

Resident of Springfield, Missouri

Born in Ontonagon, Michigan June 10, 1951

Command Sergeant Major Vern Carl Strebe was honorably discharged from duty in this life on November 29, 2018. Carl began his military career at the tender age of twenty where he courageously served as a door gunner and crew chief of an AH1 Cobra and a UH1 Iroquois Slick in the humid jungles of Vietnam. He again saw combat in the arid sands of Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Carl retired after devoting 22 years of service to God, family, and countrymen. Through the years he earned many commendations including a bronze star, 3 meritorious service awards, and most notably his senior rank. Time and rank are both testaments to a career built and fortified with tenacity, bravery, and dedication.

In 2016, Carl embarked upon the greatest battle of his life; a battle with small cell lung cancer and metastatic brain cancer that raged within. Pulling from his tactical strengths he formulated a plan of counter attack through various medicinal and homeopathic treatments. Surrender was not an option and death would come on his own terms. He boldly faced each new challenge with the will and might of a valiant soldier. The fight was long and his scars were many, yet his spirit remained vigilant. His surrender came 6 weeks ago as he sought the white flag of peace and acceptance that he would indeed be a causality of this war. Through the many skirmishes, battles, and wars that he faced; he stood tall and proud, never bowing or taking a knee under the unwavering stars and stripes he so gallantly served.

He was preceded in death by his father Robert Fred Strebe, mother Irene Helen (Bopp) Strebe, brothers Leroy and Bobby Strebe, and sisters Victoria Doolittle and Kathrine Nees.

He is survived by his first wife, lifetime companion, and forever friend Janice Elaine (Hollifield) Strebe. Children: daughter Jessica (Strebe) Vanderpool, son Gregory and wife Natalie (Hudson) Strebe. Grandchildren: Mekenzie, Colton, and Brandon Vanderpool and Gabriel, Jacob, and Toby Strebe. Siblings: Don, Darlene (Brown), Ida, Gwen, and Eva Strebe.

Services will be held with full military honors on September 20th of 2019 at 10:00 am at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Rd. Springfield, MO. 65804.

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