Heinz Kasper Strobel

Heinz Strobel, 50 of Hoffman passed away Thursday, August 3, 2023.

Heinz Kasper Strobel was born on March 5, 1973, in Chicago, Illinois to Heinz and Milanka (Ivanovic) Strobel. The family moved to Kensington, MN, then later settled in Hoffman in 1989. He graduated from Hoffman-Kensington High School in 1991. After high school he worked on a few farms, and then made a career in the transportation industry. 

Heinz's first wife was Carole Swenson, they married in 1999, and had one son, Stefan. On May 18, 2019, Heinz married the love of his life, Karen Gelling. With this union, he gained three bonus children, Kalista, Landon, and Alexis. He was employed with CHS of Inver Grove Heights, hauling mainly fuel and natural gas covering more than 15 states in the busy season for twenty-six years. Wanting to be closer to home, he found a great work family at Jerry’s U-Save in Morris hauling fuel and natural gas. 

Heinz enjoyed his Harley, side-by-side, camping and spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed trips to Sturgis for the rally, Deadwood with the June crew, and a few random trips such as Duluth and to the upper peninsula in Michigan. He was so proud and cheered loudly for his children with all their activities. He was such a positive role model for them and taught them important life skills and morals. He will forever be known for his huge, contagious laugh, glistening brown eyes, handsome smile, his willingness to always help a friend, his passion for what he believed in, and his love for the American flag and all it stood for. 

Heinz is survived by his wife, Karen Strobel of Hoffman, four children, Stefan of Shakopee, Kalista (Nikolai) of Deer Creek, Landon and Alexis of Hoffman; mother Milanka (Mathew) Neisen of Glenwood; three siblings, Dieter (Megan) Strobel of Barrett, Klaus (Ryanne) Strobel of Kensington, and Connie Wrightsman of Big Lake; father-in-law John Gelling of Barrett; brother-in-law Kenny (Patricia) Gelling of Alexandria, sisters-in-law, Angie Sedler (Ronnie Mithun) and JoAnne Gelling (Brad Trosdahl) both of Elbow Lake; nephews & nieces Brooklyn Strobel, Bennett Strobel, Christopher (Sara) Stier, Paige Stier, Katie Gelling (Aiden), Hunter Gelling; great nephew Asher Stier,  many close cousins, numerous family and friends, both in the United States and Germany, and his four legged cuddle buddies, Boydog, Ginger & Sunny.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents; his father Heinz; mother-in-law Loretta Gelling, brother-in-law Jerrod Sedler, close aunts Radosava Carraher and Nadiza Bulkowski, and the mother of Stefan, Carole Strobel.

Let’s Get Loud for Heinz. Motorcycles, semis and all vehicles are welcome to join in a procession starting at the Elk Lake Beach processing to the Runestone County Park. Kickstands up at 3:00 PM, moving forward to Runestone park, followed by prayers and sharing of memories at 4:00 PM. Bring your own beverage, and a chair if you wish. Food will be provided, with a food truck onsite also. We will continue the celebration of Heinz’s life at the park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.

Erickson-Smith Funeral Home, Hoffman.