Donald L. Strobel

Donald L Strobel, 64, of Middletown, Maryland entered his eternal life on March 5, 2025.

Born on June 12, 1960, in Takoma Park, MD. He was raised in Derwood, Maryland. Donald lived life to the fullest always, a life filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering dedication to his family, friends and his passions. Above all else, Donald was a devoted family man who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. He is survived by his soul mate and wife, together for almost 38 years, Dana Dudley, his daughter, Samantha Schwartz and his son-in-law Craig who was like a son to him, his mother Pauline Strobel, six siblings, countless cousins, nieces, nephews and his beloved grand dogs Shelby and Hemi. Donald was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Strobel, his grandparents Kenneth & Virginia Dyer and George & Virginia Strobel, his infant brother Michael David Strobel, family pets including his beloved Dobermans, Rumely, Rhiannon and Duchess, his favorite cat, Alley Cat and goats Jenny, Frosty, Rudy and Daisy Mae who all certainly greeted him upon his arrival to heaven.

Donald was a man of many talents with an exceptional work ethic. Over the years, he built a successful career in several trades. After attending Magruder High School he immediately began a fruitful career in wallpaper installation with D&D Wallcoverings working in the White House, numerous embassies in the District of Columbia and for celebrities and politicians such as Lynda Carter, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chuck Robb and Lady Bird Johnson’s homes and offices. He ran a carpet cleaning business in the 90’s-- All-Bright Carpet Cleaning with his father, Clifford. Later in his professional career, he became a Field Supervisor for 3rd Coast Contractors in Annapolis, MD until his semi-retirement. Donald’s semi-retirement included assisting with Double D Auction Service (owned and operated by his wife Dana) and working with several local auctioneers including Cochran Auctions, Herbst’s Auctions, James E. Summers Auctioneering and others for auction set up, clean up and auction day. Donald was a professional “ring man-cowboy” alongside his auctioneer wife Dana for too many fundraising events to list. As one of the infamous “Cowboys” Donald brought energy and excitement to the bidding process with his magnetic personality. He loved a good auction whether working it or just “buying”. He loved purchasing anything vintage and making it work again or finding a purpose for it. He had an innate mechanical and fabrication gift that allowed him to fix, restore, repair and build anything that came his way. No challenge was too big for Donald to fix or attempt to fix.

Beyond his professional life, Donald embraced adventure and hands-on projects with enthusiasm.

In the early 90’s Donald and Dana purchased a 21-acre wooded lot in a remote area of West Virginia near Dolly Sods and Seneca Rocks. With the help of friends, he built a small off-grid hunting cabin on the very top of the mountain that was a joy to retreat to for many years for camping and just hanging out- no electricity and no running water. Samantha learned a lot in those years. She might not be as bougee as you think.

Donald was a tractor collector and enthusiast enjoying tractor pulling for several years. Donald grew up on motorized things. He got his first Harley Davidson in 1972 at just 12 years old, owning and riding Harley’s almost his entire life. As a young adult he meticulously restored his old Chevy Pickup that was shown in the 1983 World of Wheels with him receiving a trophy for the event. He loved working on old VW’s with his father and grandfather from a very young age. As a teen Donald had a late 60’s Camaro he built from the ground up which he drag raced at the local 75-80 drag strip.

Demolition derbies were a passion of Dana’s with Donald doing ALL the work to prepare the cars for the derbies at the Montgomery County Fair in the early 90’s. Donald had all the knowledge to lead as

he had also participated in demo derbies. Donald had just recently restored and brought back to life their 1963 MFG boat - keeping it almost 100% original for sunny days on the lake.

An avid snowmobiler and outdoor lover, he found joy in exploring trails and riding his Artic Cat ZR9000 (Faster Pussycat) or Polaris side-by-side through mountain paths, wooded trails or frozen lakes that were fast and flat! Pow days are the best days! Riding Snaggy Mountain trail in Deep Creek just in January for a fantastic day of riding with Logan Marks and Dana. Donald and Dana had just returned from a trip to St. Zenon Canada for a snowmobile adventure that included a party in an igloo, motorcycle drag racing on ice and riding with the “Wolfe Pack Fast Boys”. It would be his last ride without knowing it. Snowmobile trips included Canada, Wyoming, Old Forge NY for multiple trips and a trip to UP Michigan. We go where the snow is he would say.

Donald grew up going to the Jersey Shore with his family who had a home in Wildwood, NJ. Several years ago, he returned to the Jersey Shore several times with Dana to attend TROG (The Race of Gentlemen) vintage drag racing on the beach right alongside the ocean. He loved being able to return there for a few years and grab his favorite Mack’s Pizza and ice cream at Kohr Brothers. Many summers were spent with his grandparents camping and taking numerous trips to Maine.

He loved spending time at the Deep Creek Lake home that he was renovating from top to bottom with all custom interiors and special touches. He enjoyed feeding "his" deer immediately upon arrival at the cabin, they greeted him eagerly knowing he had treats and feed for them.

His passion for collecting antique vehicles and tractors was evident with his prized 1929 Ford Model A that is almost 100% restored to his very detail-oriented standards.

Donald was also an avid agriculture enthusiast who always enjoyed spending time helping with annual crops at one of his closest friends, Jim Allen at his family farm, Glen-Toctin Farms in Jefferson, MD. He was a lifelong sports fanatic enjoying all things football (HTTR), baseball and hockey.

Donald’s generosity and warmth made him truly irreplaceable. He had an infectious smile that could light up any room and a wicked sense of humor that kept those around him laughing. Known for playing practical jokes, prank calls and always keeping things lively, he made every moment memorable. His love for cooking steak dinners for his family was just one of the many ways he showed how much he cared. Even something as simple as mowing the grass became an act of pride and enjoyment for him on his Kubota.

Donald’s life was one filled with adventure, hard work, laughter, and boundless love. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who loved him most. So many friends…it would be an endless list. Everyone loved “Poor Donald”, “My Donald”, “Pops”, “Butchie Boy”, “Butch”, “Old Man”, “Juan”, “Little Buddy Helper” “Jefe” and “Spank” to name a few.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to The Deep Creek Lions Club Blind Skiers and Campers programs (Donald loved taking the blind skiers on snowmobile rides) www.deepcreeklions.org,Team HOPE www.teamhopefrederick.org (Breast cancer prevention)

Maryland State Quarter Horse Association www.msqha.org or HART for Animals in Garrett County www.hartforanimals.org