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David "Juke" Strunk died as the result of a boogie boarding accident during an annual family camping trip to Carpinteria State Beach, CA, on July 10, 2007. His wife of 59 years, Evelyn; children, David Strunk and Bonnie McCollum, Bonnie's best friend, Jeff Prusa; grandchildren, Travis McCollum, Tiffany and Justin Tesinsky, Bryan McCollum and fiancee, Whitney, and David Strunk, were by his side when he passed away. David was born in Easton, PA, on January 26, 1926. He graduated from Easton High School in 1943 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as a submariner during World War II. After the war, he married Evelyn Bill, of West Easton. Having served on the Sea Poacher, Black Fin, Chopper, and Sirago, David retired from submarines, but continued his naval career, serving tours on the Preble, Gyatt, Oklahoma City, as well as shore duty at White Sands Missile Range, the Defense Atomic Support Agency and NWEF in Albuquerque. He was a WWII, as well as a decorated Viet Nam veteran. In addition to his many military commendations, he was awarded the Presidential Sports Award for his commitment to jogging and physical activity. Cmdr. Strunk retired from the Navy after 32 years, the day before he began teaching math for the Albuquerque school system. A firm believer in education, he spent 12 years going to college every time an opportunity to do so came about, graduating with two degrees from the University of Albuquerque, magna cum lade, in 1973. He went on to get his Master's from the University of New Mexico in 1977. After 14 years, the majority of time at Highland High School, he retired from teaching in 1988, continuing to pursue his love of life and travel. Hitting the road in their motor home, David and Evelyn traveled all over the United States. Their most memorable trip was to Canada and Alaska in 200l. Evelyn loved the mountains, David the sea, so the joke was that they always traveled through the mountains on the way to the ocean. Prior to heading to Carpinteria for the 31st year, their latest trip was to Ridgecrest, CA, to dance at their granddaughter's wedding in May. Home was Albuquerque, New Mexico. David was an avid Lobo fan and supporter, a life member blood donor, a 14-year veteran tax preparer for AARP, a devout Catholic, member of Saint Bernadette's church, a volunteer for Shingles research. He loved to garden, camp, travel, take morning walks (over 50 miles a month) with his friends, and boogie board with his grandchildren. David liked to collect coins, but he mostly collected friends. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by brothers, Charles "Pete" Strunk and Leonard "Bump" Strunk; father and mother, David and Marie Strunk. A Memorial will be held at Daniels Funeral Home, 7601 Wyoming, NE, at 3 p.m., Monday, July 30, 2007.
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