Gloria was born on July 24th, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois to Rev. Martin and Ruth Rupprecht. She spent most of her childhood in St. Louis, Missouri and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, before her family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida in her late teens.

Gloria attended Valparaiso University in the late 1950s, where she majored in Religion and minored in Dramatics. While there, she participated in a five-year Youth Leadership Training Program preparing students to become youth directors in the Lutheran church. Her training in harp, piano, violin, ballet, dramatics, and voice prepared her for a lifetime of performance and ministry.

Music remained one of Gloria’s greatest joys throughout her life. She had a beautiful soprano voice which she used to glorify God through church choirs, solos, weddings, funerals, and performances for community organizations. In 1957, as Miss Indiana in the Miss America Pageant, Gloria won a preliminary talent award for her performance of “My Hero” from The Chocolate Soldier. Though she possessed remarkable talent and received notable recognition, Gloria remained humble and far more interested in serving others than drawing attention to herself.

On July 2nd, 1960, Gloria married the love of her life, John Strieter. Together they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage before John’s passing in 2023. John treasured Gloria deeply, and friends affectionately referred to him as “Lucky John” for having married a woman of such character and beauty. After their marriage, Gloria and John moved into the Strieter family home with John’s father, Martin, whom Gloria lovingly cared for over the years. Through her warmth, hospitality, and tireless care for others, their home became a cherished gathering place for generations of family and friends, hosting countless holidays, celebrations, and family reunions. During this time, Gloria completed her degree at Augustana College and served for many years as Youth Director at Immanuel Lutheran Church, faithfully serving and mentoring teenagers. Once their children were older, Gloria joined John in the family business as Vice President of the Strieter Corporation.

Though Gloria accomplished much throughout her life, her deepest calling was the care of her family. She was a devoted wife and mother whose home reflected her joyful spirit, steadfast faith, and extraordinary selflessness. She approached motherhood and homemaking with energy and tireless devotion, always planning, coordinating, and making sure everyone was cared for. Her home was filled with fun, adventure, music, and laughter, and she never hesitated to break into song in public, much to her children’s embarrassment.

Gloria also had an adventurous spirit that stayed with her throughout her entire life. Even into her later years, she eagerly went spelunking in caves, whitewater rafting, hiking, paddleboarding, sledding down the backyard hill — even at 82 years old — and jumping into cold mountain water with her grandchildren. Her energy, fearlessness, and playful spirit made her a constant source of fun and unforgettable memories for her family.

Gloria was deeply involved in the arts and her community throughout her life. She performed with area theater and musical groups and gave singing and pantomime programs for organizations and her grandchildren’s kindergarten classes. She always kept active and enjoyed tennis and swimming throughout her life. She also served as Scholarship Chairman and a board member of the Miss Blackhawk Valley Scholarship Pageant, encouraging and supporting young women pursuing education and leadership opportunities.

Church and family remained at the very center of Gloria and John’s lives. Together they were devoted members of Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Rock Island, Illinois, and later Trinity Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa, where Gloria shared her musical gifts through church choirs and solos for many years.

In 2022, Gloria and John moved to Savannah to be closer to family and enjoy the warmer weather. There, Gloria became an active member of Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church, where she continued singing in the choir and served meals at the Inner City Night Shelter. She was also a devoted patron of the Savannah Philharmonic and Savannah Voice, and deeply treasured the many friendships and memories she made in Savannah.

Gloria was a truly extraordinary woman who left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her children describe her as selfless, warm-hearted, caring, and joyful. Her grandchildren describe her as vibrant, nurturing, fearless, witty, and spunky. She was radiantly beautiful and continued to enjoy life all the way to the end. Above all, she lived a life of selfless service, faithfully serving God, her family, and her community with humility and grace.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Ruth Rupprecht, and her beloved husband, John Strieter.

She is survived by her siblings, Darlene Snodgrass (Tom) and David Ruprecht (Patti Colombo); her children, Lisa Williams (Chris), Vicki Hodges (Inman), and Mark Strieter (Tony Machado); her grandchildren, Danielle Smail (Patrick), Kyle Williams, Klara Geriner (Tillman), and Emily Hodges; her great-grandchildren, Sawyer Strieter Smail, John Weeks Geriner, and James Strieter Geriner; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She is also survived by her dear friend and honorary family member Lois Nelson, and many other friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Valparaiso University, Concordia Seminary, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, or Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church, with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m.