Robert Allen Strickland, 71, died peacefully at home in Cumberland, WI on 9 October 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born in Cumberland on 14 January 1949 to DuWayne and Esther (Ranallo) Strickland. He graduated from Cumberland High School in 1967 and completed two years at UW Superior.

Bob lived a short time in San Francisco, CA before moving to the Twin Cities where he met and married Judy Mae Lien on 28 June 1975. Soon they returned to Cumberland, an ideal place to raise seven children. Bob was a supportive father. He thrilled watching his children progress whether in academics, sports, music, finances, family relations, or faith. Bob retired from 3M in 2009 after 30 years, grateful for a stable job which provided for his family.

Rearing five sons led to 30 years of leadership in the Boy Scouts of America, from Tiger Cubs to Silver Beaver. Favorite memories are attending summer camp for 22 years and Wood Badge with the Fox Patrol. Bob was involved in civic life as well and valued serving on the library board, and the city council from 2004-2019.

Bob had a lifelong love of music. He picked up a harmonica at age 12 and practiced the same song “In the Good Old Summertime” for a year until he mastered it after which he was able to play any tune. He enjoyed attending concerts, singing in church and community choirs, and making music with his family. His favorite pastime was Scrabble, eager to play with any willing participant. In retirement he founded a Scrabble club at the library which has met weekly for the past 10 years.

Bob’s life changed forever in 1977 when he and Judy chose to be baptized members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They found great joy in nurturing their children in the faith. Bob ministered in many capacities including Barron Ward bishop,

Seminary teacher, and as a St. Paul Minnesota Temple ordinance worker. We find comfort in the plan of salvation with firm knowledge that families are eternal and, because of our Savior Jesus Christ, we will see each other again.

Bob is survived by his wife Judy; children: Job (Leidy) Strickland of Lehi, UT; Eli (Joelynn) Strickland of Huntington Beach, CA; Jessica (William) Lancaster of Tualatin, OR; Sarah (Ezra) Frantz of Portland, OR; Ben (Lisa) Strickland of Fridley, MN; Ezra (Katherine) Strickland of Waverly, MN; and Zachary (Nathalia) Strickland of Lehi, UT; 20 grandchildren; mother, Esther Strickland of Cumberland, WI; brothers: Arlin (Diana) Strickland of Chippewa Falls, WI; Roland (Robin) Strickland of Cumberland, WI; Tom (Pamela) Strickland of Cottage Grove, MN; and brother-in-law Michael DeNucci of Cumberland, WI. He was preceded in death by his father DuWayne Strickland and sister Kathleen DeNucci.

Private family funeral services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Barron. The service will be available via zoom for those who wish to attend virtually. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery - Cumberland. Pallbearers are Job Strickland, Eli Strickland, Ben Strickland, Ezra Strickland, Zachary Strickland, William Lancaster, and Ezra Frantz.

Skinner Funeral Home of Cumberland is serving the family.

Last Update: Oct 15, 2020 5:34 am CDT