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Obituary: Darrell R. Strong

His willingness to lend a hand and make a difference will be remembered by those who knew and loved him.

This post was contributed by a community member.

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Darrell R. Strong

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Darrell R. Strong, age 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. He was born on February 26, 1937 in Lockport, the son of the late Royal and Margaret (nee Schmitke) Strong.

Darrell began his career in the information technology field with IBM, where he worked for many years before continuing his career with Control Data Corporation. He also pursued his entrepreneurial spirit by starting his own computer-related business, all while continuing his work at CDC.

Darrell was also a man who valued friendship and service. One of his most meaningful projects was helping rebuild a church organ alongside his best friend, Jim Stevenson. Working side by side, they shared not only their time and talents, but also a lasting bond that made the experience especially memorable. His willingness to lend a hand and make a difference will be remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Darrell is survived by his son, Darrell R. (Amy) Strong, Jr.; his daughter, Pat (Tom) Lewandowski; his grandchildren, Benjamin, Phillip, Topaz (Tim), and Aschel; his sisters, Beryl Swenson and Shirley Hill. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Royal and Margaret Strong; his brothers, Kenneth, Melvin, Norbert and Lavern Strong; his sister, Char Kobe; and many cherished brothers- and sisters-in-law.

A Memorial Service for Darrell R. Strong will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd (at Essington Rd), Joliet, at 11:00 a.m. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Darrell's name to Alzheimer's Illinois Chapter.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

·Visit Fred C. Dames on Facebook​

·Order Flowers​

·Healing Resources​

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