Donald L. "Don" "Dynomite" Strohl, age 95, of Portage, IN and formerly of Hammond, IN and Mattoon, Il, passed away on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. Don was born on December 5, 1926 in East Chicago, IN to the late George and Lena (nee Ferris) Strohl.  He worked for 20 years at Illinois Central Railroad and retired from Inland Steel after 25 years of service.  Don worked part time building homes.  Don was a veteran of the Navy and served during World War II.  He even shook General Dwight D. Eisenhower's hand during military review.  After his years of service, Don proudly took flying lessons.  Though he did not complete his solo flight, he still spoke of his experience often.  Don married the love of his life, Frances Lee (nee Beasley), on February 13, 1948 and spent 50 wonderful years together until her passing in 1998. Don was a long time member of Portage First United Methodist Church.  He was a member of the Goodfellows in East Chicago, then the Oddfellows in Mattoon, IL.  He volunteered at the Mattoon Food Bank often.  Don was a good bowler and enjoyed family poker games.  He had a cottage on Lake Shafer and enjoyed fishing and hunting.  Most importantly, Don loved his family and especially his grandbabies, or all babies for that matter!  Don was a loving husband, devoted father, caring brother, adoring grandfather, great-grandfather, and even great-great grandfather, beloved uncle, and dear friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Don is survived by his children: Lerryn (late Larry) Darnell of Portage, IN, James (Carol) Strohl of Sevierville, TN, and Christie (Jerry) Collins of Merrillville, IN; grandchildren: Sherry (Rich) Pinarski, Carrie (Stephen) Forbes, Michael (Natalie) Darnell, Jason (Marissa Entler) Collins, Matt Collins, and Julie (Jordan Garrett) Collins; great-grandchildren: Stephen, Alyssa, Breanna, Aaron, Austin, Travis, Austin, Messiah, Darius, McKenzie, Bear, and one more on the way; great-great grandchildren: Ryker and Rowan; a host of nieces and nephews; and grand-puppies: Charlie, Lily, and Ozzie. Don is preceded in death by his wife, Frances; parents, George and Lena; siblings: Jess, Grace, Jack, Alvis, Beulah, Mildred, Florence, Wayne, George, Doody, and Donna; and son-in-law: Larry Darnell, who's waiting for him with a game of poker ready to play. Family and friends may gather at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel (5341 Central Ave, Portage) on Sunday, June 12, 2022 from 2:00-6:00 P.M.  A Funeral Service will take place on Monday, June 13, 2022 from Portage First United Methodist Church (2637 McCool Rd, Portage) at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Deb Rousselle officiating.  Cremation will follow services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Don's family.