Trudy A. Strieker

Trudy A. Strieker, age 69, of Collinsville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026. She was born August 8, 1956, in Breese, the daughter of the late John and Leora (nee Schrage) Varel. She married Joseph “Joe” A. Strieker on April 7, 1984, at St. Rose Catholic Church in St. Rose and he preceded her in death on February 17, 2022.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in- law, Anthony “Bud” and Mary Ann Strieker and brother-in-law, Brian Strieker.

Trudy is survived by her siblings, John & Angie Varel of Wailuka, HI, Allan & Geri Varel of Damiansville, Joe & Sharon Varel of Troy, Ken & Inger Varel of Columbia and Dianne & Mark Voss of Highland. She is also survived by Ron Hollenkamp of Aviston and the Varel family is very grateful to him for his commitment and comfort to Trudy during her diagnosis.

She is also survived by her loving “Kids” - her nieces and nephews: Jessie (Megan), Kyle (Mindy), Keith (Kristen), Michael (Chelsey), Brandon (Stephanie), Nathanial (Alex), Lauren, Hannah (Celia), Erika (Greg), Nicole (David) and Matthew (Emily); and her adored “Kiddos” – her great nieces and nephews: Iris, Violet, Cade, Cammi, Nya, Hattie, Angelina, Victoria, Waverly, Amos, Hallie, Milo, Eli, Lena and George. Her “Kids” and “Kiddos” were her pride and joy and she was their #1 fan. She was always excited and honored to be the first to know when a new "Kiddo" was on the way. 

She is also survived by step-nephews, Alex and Grayson; Joe's siblings and their spouses: Phil, Cliff, Barb, Betty, Roger and Cindy and numerous Strieker nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Trudy was the proud godmother to her cousin Rodney Schrage, niece Sydney Rabideau, nephews Nathanial Varel & Brandon Varel, niece Nicole Knebel, and great niece Hattie Varel.

Trudy was blessed with treasured lifelong friends that surrounded her with their love and support. Her family would like to especially thank Ruth, the entire “56 Gang” gals, and the Camelot Crew, for always being there for her and Joe too. Trudy was grateful for the special friendships with Judy, Lynette & Alaina, Alice & the Stridin & Survivin Crew, Melissa, Vicky, Nancy, Chris, Betty, Julie & Beth, Kerri & Cindy, Mary & Sheri, and Joe’s umpiring crew, Bob, Steve, Pat & their spouses for checking on her throughout her diagnosis.

Trudy was a member St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville and was an avid volunteer and supporter of cancer charities. She enjoyed the simple things in life from monthly dinners with her family to the Class of ’74 monthly lunches to any time with her “Kids” and “Kiddos” as she delighted in being an Aunt and great Aunt. Trudy enjoyed her travels around the world with her husband, Joe, and her new adventures with Ron from golfing to ballroom dancing. She was honored to be asked to officiate the wedding of her niece.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Aviston with Fr. Von Deeke officiating. Private burial will be held at a later date at St. Francis Cemetery in Aviston.

Visitation will be held from 8 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Aviston.

In lieu of any flowers or gifts, please consider memorial donations in Trudy's name to: St. Francis Cemetery Fund, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, St. Claire Share gas card program for cancer patients (St. Joseph's Hospital Breese/Attn: Megan Korte), Cancer Care Closet (St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese/Attn: Megan Korte) or Fuel the Cure gas cards (Stridin & Survivin/Attn: Alice Bartels). Memorials will be received at church or at Nordike Funeral Home, 740 Fairfax St., Carlyle, IL 62231 who is serving the family.