Vernon L. Strege, age 94, of Valparaiso passed away peacefully in the loving care of the staff at Gabriel Home on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
He was born on January 21, 1931, in Ortonville, MN to Carl & Alma (Laskowske) Strege. He graduated high school in 1949 and went on to serve in the United States Air Force. He was honored to be selected for the Honor Flight to Washington, DC in 2019. On January 30, 1954, at Artichoke Lake Baptist Church in Correll, MN, he was united in Marriage to Ruth Ann Moen, who proceeded him in death on March 6, 2023. They were married for 68 years and were the parents of four children.
He was instrumental in the formation of the Diesel Tech Vocational Program at Portage High School, which he taught for 25 years. The students, many of which are his good friends still today, have gone on to great careers. After his retirement, he decided to drive a dump truck hauling asphalt. Whenever he drove around Northwest Indiana, he pointed out all the roads he helped pave. At the age of 93, he was awarded a US Patent for an invention that he had thought about for years and was finally able to perfect it.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Deanna Lyn in 1965, his parents, siblings and spouses, Ruth & Bob Lemster, Esther & Jack Clark and James Strege. He is survived by his children Debra (Steve) Zulich, Dennis Strege and Doug (Kathy) Strege, along with Jim’s wife, Dee Strege as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Rachel, Sarah, John, Emily, Aaron, Megan, Amanda, Marcus, Alexander & Abigail along with great grandchildren, Lauren, Austin, Luke, Olivia and Eileen who were his great joy, and they will miss him terribly.
He was a man of great faith and loved the Lord and was ready to be reunited with Ruth. The family wishes to thank everyone at Gabriel Home for making his last 9 days so special.
Visitation at Moeller Funeral Home on Thursday, July 24th from 1 – 3 pm including military honors and celebration of life beginning at 3:00 pm with Pastor Dean Christianson officiating. Click here to watch the recorded funeral service and slideshow.
Please consider a donation to Gabriel Home for the Elderly, 372 Franciscan Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46385.
GUESTBOOK
No words can express our sorrow in this time of grief, please know you are all in our thoughts, with much love, -Kent and Kathy Moen
My family would like to send its condolences to Vernes friends and family. Verne was absolutely amazing in so many ways. I had the opportunity to enjoy Vernes company at work. He was in astoundingly hood physical shape and his mind was as sharp as anyone half his age! I am so pleased to hear that he finally got a patent he could take apart and analyze and fix anything. He was such a dear articulate man that had a true calming effect and nondoubt let his strong faith Guide him . Everyone can be replaced but not many replicated Verne was the later. May you rest in peace my friend. -Edward Kammrath
