USBC Hall of Famer Bob Strampe dies at age 93
July 30, 2024
ARLINGTON, Texas – The United States Bowling Congress recently learned of the death of USBC and Professional Bowlers Association Hall of Famer Bob Strampe of Marysville, Michigan, at the age of 93. Strampe died at his home on July 12.
Strampe was born on April 14, 1931, in Paullina, Iowa, the son of the late Henry “Hy” and Vera Strampe. He is survived by his daughter Barbara Strampe of Brighton, Michigan, and was preceded in death by his wife Marlene, sons Brian and Bradley and a daughter, Rebecca.
Strampe was a veteran, having served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1951-1955 and in the Air Force reserves from 1955-1959.
Following his time in the service, Strampe turned his attention to bowling. He gained his early fame as a member of prominent teams in the Minneapolis area, then joined the famed Stroh’s bowling team in Detroit.
Strampe collected four titles in USBC Open Championships competition. His first Open Championships title came in 1964 in Classic Doubles. He followed that with a pair of Classic All-Events titles in 1967 and 1970. His final Open Championships victory came in 1974 in Classic Team.
Strampe had a stellar professional career as well. His first two professional wins were major championships – the 1964 Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America All-Star (predecessor to the U.S. Open) and the 1964 PBA National (now World) Championship – on his way to being named 1964 PBA Player of the Year.
He added a third major when he won the 1966 USBC Masters and ended his career with seven professional titles. When the PBA released a list of the 50 Greatest PBA Players from its first 50 years, Strampe checked in at No. 50.
Strampe was inducted into the USBC Hall of Fame in 1977 and the PBA Hall of Fame in 1987. He also is a member of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (inducted in 2012).
Per Strampe’s request, there was no memorial service and inurnment was at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.
Strampe was born on April 14, 1931, in Paullina, Iowa, the son of the late Henry “Hy” and Vera Strampe. He is survived by his daughter Barbara Strampe of Brighton, Michigan, and was preceded in death by his wife Marlene, sons Brian and Bradley and a daughter, Rebecca.
Strampe was a veteran, having served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1951-1955 and in the Air Force reserves from 1955-1959.
Following his time in the service, Strampe turned his attention to bowling. He gained his early fame as a member of prominent teams in the Minneapolis area, then joined the famed Stroh’s bowling team in Detroit.
Strampe collected four titles in USBC Open Championships competition. His first Open Championships title came in 1964 in Classic Doubles. He followed that with a pair of Classic All-Events titles in 1967 and 1970. His final Open Championships victory came in 1974 in Classic Team.
Strampe had a stellar professional career as well. His first two professional wins were major championships – the 1964 Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America All-Star (predecessor to the U.S. Open) and the 1964 PBA National (now World) Championship – on his way to being named 1964 PBA Player of the Year.
He added a third major when he won the 1966 USBC Masters and ended his career with seven professional titles. When the PBA released a list of the 50 Greatest PBA Players from its first 50 years, Strampe checked in at No. 50.
Strampe was inducted into the USBC Hall of Fame in 1977 and the PBA Hall of Fame in 1987. He also is a member of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (inducted in 2012).
Per Strampe’s request, there was no memorial service and inurnment was at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.