Dr. Claire J.A. Strobel

Northview North Mankato Mortuary 2060 Commerce Drive North Mankato, MN  56003 507-388-2288 Dr. Claire J.A. Strobel, age 89, of rural Mapleton, died Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at Mayo Health System Mankato after an accident at home. A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 27, 2018 at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato, with Pastor Dennis Heiden officiating. Visitation will be held from 2-5 pm. on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at Northview~North Mankato Mortuary and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Burial will be in Barnard Valley View Cemetery, rural Good Thunder. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or to an organization of the donor's choice. Dr. Claire John Albert Strobel, the son of Gustav Albert and Elsie (Miller) Strobel, was born on April 2, 1929 in Mankato. He served in the U.S. Army. He graduated from the University of Minnesota medical school in 1955. On October 8, 1955, he married Janet Helen (McKee) at the Lake Harriet United Methodist Church in Edina. Dr. Strobel was employed by the Mankato Clinic as a doctor and surgeon for 28 years and he also farmed in the Mankato, Mapleton and Waseca areas for 53 years. He was passionate about many things over his lifetime. He was a lifelong member of the American Medical Association, Hitchcock Surgical Society, American Angus Association, and the Beaver Motor Home Club. He served on the Mankato Clinic board of directors as a member and its president for many years. He was elected to and served as a long-term member of the Mapleton school board in the 1970's and 80's and served as its president for most of that time. He was a long time member of the Beauford United Methodist Church and served on the McKee Enterprises Board of Directors in St Paul. He served as a Corporal in the US Army from November 16th, 1950 to January 13th, 1951 when he was honorably discharged. Claire loved medicine and surgery and was a surgeon specializing in general and vascular surgery for his entire career in Mankato, Minnesota. He received his training at the University of Minnesota Medical School and went on to complete an internship and residency in surgery at Minneapolis General Hospital. His surgical skill and compassionate care touched countless people in the Mankato area. His first loves were his family and farming. The family has a long history in agriculture with a Century Farm in Blue Earth County, which was inherited from his parents. Claire, Janet and their family, proudly built a large farm operation, which continues today. This family legacy was a source of pride for Claire. He had a lifelong passion for music which started as a clarinet and saxophone player in high school and college. It included playing in the University of Minnesota marching and dance bands in college. He gave up music when he attended medical school but his passion for music was rekindled later in life when at age 70 he rediscovered this love and played throughout his retirement. He was dedicated to multiple musical groups including the Sun City Concert Band, the Lake Crystal Summer Band, the Mankato City Band, and the Sun City Pop-Swing Band. He is survived by his wife, Janet (McKee) of Mapleton; six children, Michael (Shelley) Strobel of Northfield, Susan (Todd) Schneider of Owatonna, Lisa (Roger) Gleisner of Chandler, AZ, Gregory (Robin) Strobel of Pemberton, Randy (Michelle) Strobel of Chanhassen, and Amy (Todd) Brandemuehl of Lancaster, WI; 18 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Johnson of Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Jacob Strobel. Dr. Strobel's family would like to thank all the physicians, nurses and other staff members at Mayo Clinic Health System Mankato for their quality care and compassion during this difficult time.