Michael Stroka Family Memorial Fund

Michael A. Stroka, of Western Springs, passed away June 14, 2023, at the age of 53. He was the most adoring husband to his wife, Nancy, and devoted father to their four children: William, Elizabeth, Margaret and Edward. He was a pillar to his father, Albert “Bud,” and late mother, Susan “Sue” Stroka.

Memorial gifts to help defray living and educational costs for Mike’s children may be made via this gofundme page.

All donations made either via gofundme or via check will be doubled up to $100,000 by a generous anonymous donor group.

Mike is survived by his mother-in-law, Grace Young Sun Shon; brother-in-law, Phillip Shon (Leah); seven siblings: Donna (and Jack) Brunner, James (Yvonne) Stroka, Paul (Elizabeth) Stroka, Thomas (Maureen) Stroka, Martin Stroka, Mary (Michael) Payne and Maureen (Peter) Hlawitschka; and 17 nieces and nephews. All will remember his sense of humor and devotion to the family.

Spiritual practice was at the core of Mike’s life and grounded him through the many demands and pressures of a busy life. Mike was a deep meditator and lover of teachings of the Advaita Vedanta, Sister Bernadette Roberts, John Welwood, and many others.

When not making someone laugh with a clever quip taken out of the “joke box” in his head, Mike doubled as the magician “Stupendous Strokissimo,” putting on magic shows for his family. Mike enjoyed playing tennis and basketball and loved being in nature and grounding his feet on the earth.

Mike was the CEO of the American Nutrition Association, which he co-founded after suffering a serious health condition that was reversed through nutrition. Leaving behind a career in management consulting, his focus and life mission became moving nutrition to the core of our health and health care system.

He received an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business Administration and a JD from UVA School of Law after completing a BS at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. He was a licensed attorney, a licensed nutritionist in Illinois, and a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS).

Mike lived with passion and was dedicated to serving others. Those who had the blessing of knowing him will miss him dearly.

A Memorial Service will be held on July 14, 2023 at 1pm at the First Congregational Church of Western Springs. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to travel and will be available upon request.