Jeff Strong, cherished brother, father, grandfather, devoted racing enthusiast, and beloved friend, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025, after complications from a heart attack. Treated first at Swedish American Hospital and then airlifted to UW Hospital in Madison, Jeff spent just under a week on life support facing heart, kidney, lung and stroke battles before we made the painful decision to allow him to leave this world at peace surrounded by the love of his family.

Jeff spent the better part of his adult life deeply involved in the racing industry. It began as kids racing bikes around our back yard on Saturday nights while the Rockford Speedway races roared in the distance. Jeff would blast race car noises in between calling the race all the way to our checkered flag which always fell his way! Whether working in the pit, driving in circles or building race cars from the ground up, racing was more than a hobby—it was his true passion and the focal point of his life. His dedication to the sport and the craftsmanship he invested in every car touched all who knew him.

Though Jeff found it hard to express his love, family was always in his heart. He deeply loved those close to him, and many friends often stopped by for late-night beers at what came to be known as Jeff’s Bar and Grill—the garage where stories flowed freely, larger-than-life tales were embellished to the fullest, and the world sometimes felt like a place of fantasy crafted by Jeff’s dreams. His presence was unforgettable, a bright spark, a huge personality, —and with his passing, the world around us has become a very quiet place. He was larger than life, always went big, took his final lap on a helicopter... seems a fitting final journey and a grand story to tell at heavens gates!

Though financial challenges exist due to Jeff’s years away from work, his family hopes to honor him with a celebration of life that captures the spirit of the man who lived boldly and loved deeply. A celebration of life is currently to be determined, when possible, friends, family, and all who know Jeff will be invited to remember the joy, laughter, loud animated story telling, and passion he brought to every moment.

RIP Jeffrey Lee Strong we will miss you