Remembering Marc O. Strandquist

Marc O. Strandquist, 61, of Jackson, Tennessee, USA, formerly of Rockford, Illinois, USA, passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

Born June 5, 1962, in Wurzburg, Germany, the son of Jack D. Strandquist and Johana Rhineline.  Marc is survived by his wife, Vonda; three wonderful children, Erica Strandquist, A.J. Strandquist, and Thomas (Alyssa) Strandquist; grandchildren, Walter and Oliver; mother, Johana; siblings, Kyle (Kris Curtiss) Strandquist and Mike (Mary Ellen) Strandquist; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his father, Jack.

Graduate of Guilford High School, Class of 1980 and Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1984.  Veteran of the U.S. Army as an Army officer with 10 years in the National Guard and Army Reserves serving in Operation Desert Storm at Ft. Benning, GA and retired as Captain.  Marc married Vonda R. Bridges on July 26, 1986.  Together they celebrated 37 years.  He was CEO of two large global fastener organizations, Wurth Industry of North America with sales of $850 million and Optimas Solutions with sales of $650 million.  Marc was in the fastener industry for 37 years in variety of roles; both distribution and manufacturing.  He was President of the National Fastener Distribution Association.  Marc loved mentoring people and helping them develop on their careers. 

Over his lifetime he was involved with many community organizations like Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement and the YMCA.  He ran Madison Ohio YMCA Indian Guides Program along with his family being voted Family of the Year.  Marc coached little league baseball for over 20 years in IL, MI, OH, IN and Ontario.  He was also a member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Jackson, TN. Marc was a lifelong hunter/fisherman.  He loved his hunting dogs, especially Gunther.  He ran a fishing tournament for a large group of friends for over ten years.  Marc dearly loved hanging out with the guys.  He was a member of the Diana Hunt Club in Ontario.  Marc also enjoyed traveling the world and was known for his deep trivia knowledge.  He loved military history and science fiction.  Marc was an avid Star Trek Fan and a lifelong Packer Fan.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Fred C. Olson Chapel, Rockford, IL, USA. Burial will be on Monday, September, 11, 2023 at Dillingers Cemetery, Carbondale, IL, USA.

Memorials may be made to the National Fasteners Distribution Association, c/o Marc Strandquist Scholarship, 3020 Old Ranch Pkwy, Suite #300, Seal Beach, CA, USA 90740 or Shriners Children’s Chicago, 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL USA 60707.