Jeff Streitmatter, Jr.

Princeville- Jeff Streitmatter Jr., 97, was welcomed by his Lord and Savior to the family reunion in heaven on December 31, 2025.

He was born on November 5, 1928, near Speer, Illinois to Jeff and Martha (Siebenthal) Streitmatter and grew up on the family farm. As a young man, he gave his life to Christ and remained a lifelong member of the Apostolic Christian Church. Following graduation from Princeville High School, Jeff farmed and then served two years in the United States Army. After his military service, he returned to farming alongside his brother.

On December 4, 1955, Jeff married Ruth Traub in Fairbury, Illinois. The couple made their first home near Tremont, Illinois, where they farmed for five years. They later moved to Princeville where Jeff and his brothers founded Economy Builders. It was here that Jeff developed his talent for design and construction. He designed or built farm buildings, homes, and churches and was instrumental in the design and development of the first children’s homes in Leo, Indiana. During their years in Princeville, Jeff and Ruth welcomed three children.

In 1977, the family moved to Sarasota, Florida, where Jeff was active in residential rentals. He also enjoyed boating, fishing, and hunting and treated many Sarasota visitors to memorable boating and fishing excursions. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, and he and Ruth went to great lengths to create opportunities for family gatherings. His children and grandchildren fondly recall many vacations together.

Jeff is survived by Ruth, his wife of 70 years, and three children, Gloria (Jeff) Fischer, Katrine (Eric) Haefli, and Jeff III (Lynne). Also surviving are ten grandchildren, Joseph (Emily) Fischer, Mary (Austin) Heavener, Noah (Jessalyn) Fischer, Benjamin (Laura) Fischer, RuthAnn Haefli, Eric Haefli II, Jeff Streitmatter IV, Gabriel (Haley) Streitmatter, Caleb Streitmatter, and Joshua Streitmatter; two great-grandchildren, Elijah Fischer and Atlas Streitmatter; sisters-in-law, Pearline Streitmatter, Dorothy Martin, Kathryn Honegger, and Evelyn Saal; and brothers-in-law, Gary Gundy and Bruce Leman.

He was preceded in death by his parents and all of his 11 siblings, Mildred Huber, Lucille Thomas-Beyer, Sylvia Blunier, Doris Rocke, Geraldine Streitmatter, Paul Streitmatter, Vernon Streitmatter, infant sister Verna Streitmatter, Donald Streitmatter, Alfred Streitmatter, and Shirley Kieser. He was also preceded in death by five of his wife’s siblings.

The funeral will be held at the Princeville Apostolic Christian Church on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. Ministers of the church will officiate. Visitation will be Friday, January 9, 2026, 4-6 p.m. at the Princeville Apostolic Church Fellowship Hall. An additional visitation will be held at the church prior to the funeral service 9-9:45 a.m. Burial will be in Princeville Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Princeville Apostolic Christian Church or Apostolic Christian Skylines. Online condolences may be left for Jeff’s family on his tribute wall at www.haskellfuneral.com.

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