William Duane Stroh

William (Bill) Stroh was born 1930 in Ft. Collins, CO to Henry and Sarah Stroh. He passed away August 27, 2024 at the age of 94.

Bill was raised in the Timnath, CO area.  He had 2 sisters and 1 brother.  He attended school in Timnath, CO and left school after the 9th grade to help his father on their family farm, cattle & sheep operation in Wiggins, CO.

While farming with his father, he met the love of his life, Marilyn. They married in 1950.  Shortly afterwards, Bill was drafted into the Army.  He was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division stationed at  Ft. Bragg, NC.   Bill and his new bride moved to Ft. Bragg during his time in the military. Upon discharge, they returned home to the family farm in Colorado. Not long after returning home, they were able to purchase their 1st farm in Wiggins, CO.  As their farm and livestock grew, so did their family. Bill and Marilyn were blessed with 5 children.

In 1970 the family moved to Holyoke, CO where they established a farming and feedlot operation.  Bill followed in his father’s footsteps and was one of the 1st to put into operation the center pivot irrigation.  Even though Bill left school at an early age, it did not hinder him in his role as a farmer and rancher. Bill designed and built his feedlot. He enjoyed buying his cattle and always knew just what he wanted. He felt right at home whether it be in a sale barn or going to another state to see and purchase cattle for himself. As technology progressed, he fell right into the convenience of buying his cattle through video  auctions  on the tv from the comfort of his recliner. Throughout the years he was constantly seeking knowledge and any information on how to help raise the highest yield crops and the finest cattle. His expertise was evident by many in the same vocations.  These people sought out Bill’s advice, understanding, trials and errors.  Evidence of his hard work is seen through the many awards and accolades his family farm/feedlot received throughout the years. Many awards and articles were written about both the farming and ranching business.  Bill was able to share all of this with his sons and their families as they became partners in joining all aspects of the farm and feedlot. Not one day went by without Bill working on how to make things better on the family farm. His hard work ethic and love of the farm was evident and has been passed on to generations.

Anyone who runs a farming or feedlot knows that on any given day, there are always people coming and going no matter what the time or day.  Whether it is people working cattle, truck drivers, harvest workers, parts delivery person, etc. one thing went without saying…if you were there at mealtime, you were well taken care of. The hospitality around the Stroh table was always a special place for all who were there. Never was this more evident than during fall harvest time or working cattle at the feedlot. Through this, the family gained many lifelong friends.

In 2008 the decision was made to retire from the farm and ranching life.  The next chapter of Bill’s life consisted of building himself & Marilyn a new home where they could enjoy their golden years. They spent time enjoying their growing family and friends.

Bill was a Director on the Sandhills Water Board for many decades.  He was an avid reader. Some of his favorites were westerns and the military. There was not a western movie that Bill had not seen. His favorite hobby by far would be fishing. He did not get to go nearly as often as he would have liked.  Some of his favorite places were Gould, Red Feathers, Walden, Poudre Valley & Baggs, WY. There, he enjoyed his passion for fishing and sightseeing. Many wonderful family memories were made there throughout the years. Another thing that brought Bill great joy was being able to share his life thru stories with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Unfortunately, Bill & Marilyn’s  golden years were cut much shorter than expected. Marilyn got sick and Bill became her primary caregiver. He was totally taken out of his element as Marilyn, prior to her cancer, was the one who made the home front operate with perfection. Bill had to teach himself many new skills that farm & ranching life did not. The one that surprised him the most was that he became an exceptional cook and baker. With the roles reversed, he learned to be an exceptional caregiver to Marilyn.  When Marilyn’s illness progressed, Bill needed some extra help, so he found an “angel” to help him. Susan Baker stepped in and took care of Marilyn until her passing and then continued care of Bill. The entire family has been truly blessed with Susan.

Bill is preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 66+ years, Marilyn; sons, Larry and Tim Stroh; sisters Marjorie Majerus and Joyce Segelke; brother James Stroh; parents Henry and Sarah Stroh.

He is survived by his 2 sons, Duane Stroh and wife Melissa; Tom Stroh and wife Sue; daughter Linda and husband Chuck; 8 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren.

Bill was a member of the 1st Christian Church in Holyoke, CO.

Viewing is possible from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. on September 5, 2024 at Baucke Funeral Home, 1220 SW Interocean Dr. in Holyoke.

Services will be held Friday, September 6, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. at Baucke Funeral Home, 1220 SW Interocean Dr in Holyoke.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Haxtun ECU.

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