Arnold Strickert

Arnold Theodore Strickert, 88, of Jackson passed away Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, at Chateau Girardeau in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Jan. 7, 1925, in Shady Bend, Kan., to the Rev. H.J. and Minna Laura Rook Strickert. The Strickert family moved to Tilsit when Arnold was 1 year old. He graduated from Jackson High School, where he played football and basketball. After high school, Arnold attended the University of Missouri-Columbia until World War II began. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and spent two of his three-and-a-half years in the South Pacific aboard a PT boat. He and Elfrieda Hoyer were married May 7, 1947, in Fairmont, Okla. She preceded him in death Dec. 9, 2006.

After the war, Arnold was a salesman for Standard Oil Co. for four years. He returned to Jackson and opened Strickert Standard Station, which he operated for 20 years. He then spent 10 years in management at Kasten Masonry, Kasten Clay and Kasten Concrete before retiring to his farm, which he later subdivided.

Arnold was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church since 1947. He served on many boards and committees and held offices of president and vice president. He was the only person to have served on the building committees for the church, gym and the St. Paul East addition. He was one of the organizers of the St. Paul Men's Club and served as the first president.

He was a 62-year member and past president of The Optimist Club of Jackson, and had a 62-year perfect attendance record. He was a life member of Optimist International.

He also was a past president of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, member of the Jackson Industrial Development Committee and a 60-year member of Altenthal-Joerns Post 158 American Legion of Jackson. He also received the R.A. Fulenwider Meritorious Community Service Award in 2003.

He is survived by three sons, Jim Strickert of Jackson, Joe Strickert of St. Louis and John (Melissa) Strickert of Jackson; two daughters, Judy Montoya of Falls Church, Va., and Jill (John) Goddard of Fayetteville, Ark.; two brothers, Roland Strickert of Nashville, Tenn., and Robert Strickert of Atlanta; one sister, Betty Ruehrdanz of Mount Prospect, Ill.; eight grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his wife and three brothers, Arthur, Paul and Walter.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home in Jackson and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with the Rev. Robert Henrichs officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or School or to Concordia Seminary.

Online condolences may be made at www.cracraftmiller.com.