Harold A. Strum died peacefully surrounded by family at Blessing Hospital on January 19, 2015 at 2:05pm. He was born August 2, 1926 in New York City along side his identical twin brother, Gerald. Harold and his brother were adopted in infancy to Lillian and Maurice Strum of Springfield, IL. They were raised in the Jewish faith and enjoyed a close relationship with their cousins, also of Springfield. Harold graduated from Springfield High School in 1943.

Harold attended the University of Illinois with his brother as pre-med students for two years before being drafted to serve in the navy during World War II. The Strum twins completed boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Base. A sailor familiar with the brothers managed to assign them to San Diego for hospital corps school so they could remain together. They went on to Chelsea, Mass. as their chosen duty station. World War II ended and the brothers returned to the University of Illinois and completed their undergraduate degrees in the college of business. The brothers were members of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity and the intermural tennis club during their time at the U of I.

In 1948, the brothers assumed ownership and management of their family scrap metal business in Decatur, IL. Simon Burstein and Company, when their grandfather retired. Harold went on to enjoy a successful career in the scrap metal business for over 50 years.

Harold married Gilda Best in Chicago in 1950. They were married for 18 years and together they had three children: Michael of Carlsbad, NM, Stephen (Cynthia) of Houston, TX. and Cynthia (Curtis) Spake of Quincy.

In 1971, Harold married Roberta (Bobbie) Deweese in Chicago. They were married for 20 years in which they enjoyed a loving and happy marriage. Bobbie died of respiratory failure in 1992.

Harold came to Quincy in 2006 and lived at the Illinois Veterans Home since 2007. His brother joined him at the Vets Home in 2008.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the nursing staff and all employees who assisted and cared for their father at the Illinois Veterans Home of Quincy. Additionally, they extend their gratitude to the medical staff of Blessing Hospital and to the Blessing Hospice and Palliative Care Team.

Preceding Harold in death are his parents and his wife, Bobbie. He is survived by his children, Michael of Carlsbad, NM, Stephen (Cynthia) of Houston, Tx. and Cynthia (Curtis) Spake, a grandson Noah Spake of Breckenridge, CO; his twin brother Gerald (Louise) of Quincy, niece Elizabeth (Becky) of Chicago, nephews Lenard and Scott of Chicago, and Greg (Chris) of Salem, Or.

Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. in the All Faiths Chapel at the Illinois Veteran’s Home.
Memorials: Temple B’Nai Shalom, Illinois Veterans Home of Quincy, Activities Department or Blessing Hospital Foundation. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.