John Strotkamp (Johnny) , who was 100 years old, passed away peacefully of natural causes at his Laguna Beach home on Sunday, January 10, 2016.

John was born in Alameda, California on October 3, 1915, the only child of Johan Heinrick Strotkamp and Emelia J. Vanselow.

In his younger years he worked in his father's stores in the German section of Oakland, California. John's favorite sport was baseball, and he excelled as a pitcher with the nickname "Lefty". John's high school team won the state championship, and after high school he played semi-pro ball.

After graduating from high school while working for Sears he met his future wife Roberta (Bobbie), who was working for Wards. John and Bobby were married in April 16, 1939, in Oakland, California.



In 1943, with World War II active, John was not satisfied just to build troopships, so he enlisted in the US Army infantry. He was with the first group of Army Infantry troops to land in Japan right after the atomic bombs were dropped.



Upon his discharge from the U.S. Army, he returned to his wife, two young boys and settled into married life in Oakland California, buying a home which he and his wife remodeled.



Once his two sons were in elementary school, John and his wife Bobbie became very involved in Scouting, with John being a Cubmaster and Bobbie a Den Leader. John earned achievement awards for his leadership in the Scouts. However, they ended their activity in scouting when they relocated to Laguna Beach in 1953.



Before moving to Laguna, John and his uncle operated a successful landscape company. However the opportunity to run and operate a pottery shop brought John and family to Laguna Beach.



Years later, John changed occupational directions and went to work for Sears as a department manager. He remained with Sears until he retired at the age of 65.



In the late 50s, John served on the Laguna Beach Planning Commission, a position he enjoyed.



Once his sons were in junior high, John returned to one of his true loves, baseball, and begin coaching Little League. John continued to coach Little League into his 80s.



John's wife Bobbie preceded him in death in 2002. John is survived by his two sons, John "Jay" (Mary Linda) and Tom Strotkamp (Pam Nelson). He is also survived by five grandchildren, Dr. Jon Strotkamp, Tanya Sassack, Carrie Cristobal, Kim Strotkamp and Major Tim Strotkamp-(U.S. Air Force) . And five great-grandchildren, Rebekah, Gabrielle, Seth, Qori and Nichole.



John loved his family, sports (particularly baseball), and his longtime hometown of Laguna Beach. He also enjoyed collecting stamps and coins.



His wish was to spend his final years in his Laguna Beach home, which he did, and it was there that he passed away peacefully.



There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday January 16th at 10 am. at McCormick & Sons Mortuary, 1795 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Following the memorial service there will be a burial service at Pacific View Cemetery in Corona Del Mar at 11:30 AM.