He grew up in Marshalltown, Iowa, where he attended high school and community college, before joining the United States Navy in 1956. In 1959, he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Roberta (Phipps). Together, they raised two daughters and embarked on many adventures, traveling extensively and making friends and family a priority. They were married almost 57 years.

Always curious and hard-working, Jon’s career was long and varied. Among many jobs, he delivered pop for Bailey Boys Bottling Company, sold shoes, and managed a gas station. While managing the station, he attended Drake University and later began a long career in the insurance industry. He worked his way up from branch claims adjuster to the executive suite, and then surprised everyone except his family by retiring from corporate life at the age of 57. He started “retirement” by buying an insurance company in Sarasota, Florida, which he ran until he retired for good, 4 years later. Jon and Roberta then bought a home in Florida and spent many happy winters there, golfing, hosting family and adding more friends to their list of long relationships.

Jon was loved by many for his kindness, generosity and humor. Resilient and happy until his last day, he left this world and joined his longtime love on New Year’s Day 2021.

He is survived by his two daughters Pam Stroker (Steve) of Wolcott, Colorado and Robyn Kelsh (John) of Naperville, four grandchildren, Jon Stroker (Alexa), Emily Stroker, Thomas Kelsh, Isabel Kelsh, and a beautiful, baby great-grandchild, Charlie Stroker. He was also a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Jon lives forever in the happy memories of all whose lives he blessed.

A private visitation and celebration of life will be held Friday, January 8, 2021 at Grace United Methodist Church, Naperville.

A private interment with military honors will follow at Naperville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jon’s memory may be made to: Edward Cancer Center, c/o The Edward Foundation, 801 S. Washington St., Naperville, IL 60540, (630) 527-3954, www.edwardfoundation.org For more information, please visit www.friedrich-jones.com or call (630) 355-0213.