Willard Otto Strassburger passed away on January 23, 2017, at the age of 89. He died from natural causes. He was born June 6, 1927, to Harvey and Edna Strassburger, of Kohler, WI. His brother was Harvey Strassburger Jr., of Madison, WI. Willard graduated from Kohler Public High School in 1945. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Columbia University Teachers' College in New York for his undergraduate degree. He did post-graduate studies with The Chicago Art Institute and Northern Illinois University. Willard married Diane Gruhle, of Sheboygan, WI, on September 23, 1950. Willard served two years of active duty for the US Army in counter-intelligence, and another two years in Germany, as a civilian investigator for the State Department. Their son, Paul, was born on October 1, 1956, while still in Germany. In 1958, the family returned to the U.S., and settled in Delavan, WI. Willard taught art, and served as the faculty advisor for the German Club, at the high school. Willard's daughter, Heidi, was born January 6, 1959. Willard and his family moved to Des Plaines, IL in 1967. Willard taught at Maine South High School, and then at Maine West. He had also taught part-time at Oakton Community College. He has been an active member of the Des Plaines Art Guild and the Des Plaines Senior Center for many years. Willard was preceded in death by his daughter Heidi (2008), his grandson Damian (2015), and his wife Diane (2016). He is survived by his son Paul, his daughter-in-law Marina (Blasi), his daughter-in-law Angie (Bean), his grandchildren Erik, Hannah, and Kevin, and his great-grandson, Landon, along with many nieces and nephews. The memorial service will take place at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner St. (Northwest Highway/Route 14 at Rand Road), Des Plaines, on March 18, 2017. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm, with a small service beginning at Noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Willard's name to the Des Plaines Art Guild Scholarship Fund. For information, 847-824-5155 or www.oehlerfuneralhome.com.