Robert "Robby" J. Strong, 32, of Monroe, WI passed on to his heavenly home Sunday, September 1st, after an auto accident. He was born March 30, 1987 in Freeport, IL, and is the son of Melodie (Veer) and Rodney Strong. He was engaged to Monica Krebs of Monroe, WI. A 2005 graduate of Freeport High School, Robby played football for the Freeport Pretzels, including participating in the undefeated season of 2004, which took the team to the State Championship. As a landscaper and driver, he was employed by Natures Touch Inc. of Janesville. Robby was also an award-winning MMA Fighter. But the title that he wore most proudly however, was "Dad". He was a very loving daddy to his children, as well as a loving son, grandson, brother, etc., always generous with his hugs - to anyone who knew him, he was like a big Teddy Bear. His sisters would want it known that they loved him very dearly and they thought of him as their protector, even though he was the youngest of all of them. He had a very special bond with his grandparents - especially his Grandpa Veer. When they needed help - especially for jobs needing his strength, he was there. His Grandpa thought of him as a "Gentle Giant". Robby would help those he could whenever needed. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping. Spending family time was one of his favorite things to do - at home, he would often love to grab his kids or fiancée and dance and sing with them. He comes from a big family and grew up close with many cousins and though they couldn't always stay close - the love they had was always evident. When he was very young, he began attending Freeport First Church of the Nazarene, and was very active through the years. He made the decision to be baptized and enjoyed many activities with the teens and youth group including Teen Camps, Youth Night Lock-ins.
Robby is survived by his parents, Melodie and Rodney Strong; fiancée, Monica Krebs; grandparents Ernest and Shirley Veer; daughters, Amelia Strong and Ezalia Strong; stepsons, Jay and Nolan Friedli, which he loved as they were his own; sisters, Lisa MacQueen, Rachel Boatwright, Amber (Jace) Meyer, April Worley, and Angil MacQueen; nieces and nephews, Katrina MacQueen, Kody, Kassidey and Kiyah Boatwright, Cayn and Gage Boeke, Blake McLain, Nicholas and Rileigh Peterson, and Alexander Couch.
A very heartfelt thank you to Tom Flynn and Jason and Teresa Horner who bravely and selflessly risked their lives in order to save Robby at the accident scene. Words can never express the gratitude our family has in our hearts, especially knowing he was not alone.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday September 7, 2019 at the Church of the Nazarene. Rev. Scott Casto will officiate. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday September 6, 2019 at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home, Freeport. Entombment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Robbie's memory. Please sign his guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com
