Frank J. Strayve, 73, a lifelong resident of West Chicago, where he was a real estate broker for more than two decades, died of complications from a stroke Thursday, April 18, in Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. The son of Austrian immigrants, Mr. Strayve graduated from West Chicago High School in 1947. His first job out of high school was chopping off chicken heads in the butcher’s market at National Tea Store in West Chicago, said his daughter, Janice. He worked nearly every job at the now-defunct grocery store, reaching the position of assistant manager. In 1973 he turned to the real estate industry and became a licensed broker. He also started a family lawn-maintenance and snow-plowing business in the mid-1970s and helped his wife launch an office-cleaning business about 30 years ago. “Everything he did, he did as a family. He instilled in us that we needed to work as a family,” said his son Ken. “Every dollar he ever earned, he earned honestly without stepping on anyone’s toes. He was an honest businessman during a time when you could do things on a handshake and a handshake meant everything.” Mr. Strayve, who served in the Army during the Korean War, was described by family members as a strong Christian, who always was willing to lend a hand. “He helped everybody,” his daughter said. “He was thankful to the Lord for everything.” Mr. Strayve also is survived by his wife, Barb; another son, Chuck; a sister, Grace Kunstman; and six grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Norris-Walen Funeral Home, 132 Fremont St., West Chicago. A service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.
