Ferdinand C. "Ferd" Strackeljahn, 77, of Collinsville, Ill., born June 25, 1938, in Granite City, Ill., entered into eternal life Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, in St. Louis, MO.

Ferd was a self employed farmer for 12 years then was employed by Thor Farms for over 40 years as manager of farming operations. He was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, Ill., the Collinsville Recreation Club, the Farm Bureau, Vegetable Grower''s Association and the National Riffle Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred H. and Anna M., nee Kosten, Strackeljahn; brother, Robert Strackeljahn; nephew Jim Smith.

Surviving are his children, John A. Strackeljahn of Dupo, Ill., Janet R. Strackeljahn of House Springs, MO. and Louise M. Simms of Granite City, Ill.; sisters, Melda Schoenbaum of Torrance, CA. and Esther (Doug) Jeppson of Park Ridge, Ill.; long time special friend, Doris Roedger of Collinsville, Ill., with her family Robbin Verbeck, (John Hardt) and Tyler Verbeck, his wife Katie and their children Preston and Layla, Rita (Jeff) Cain, Rex Roedger; grandchildren, Danielle (Troy) Helgeson and their son Cole, Chelsie Markezich and her children, Charlie, R.J and Hunter, Jennifer Bratcher, Dylan Strackeljahn and Adyson Strackeljahn; nieces, Kathy (Don) Smith and Karen (Chris) Kuecker; nephew Lance Schoenbaum with his daughter Angela.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, in Collinsville, Ill. or to St. Judes Children''s Hospital.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill., and from 9 to 10 a.m Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Collinsville, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, at the church with Pastor Michael Walther officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon, Ill.