David Stroh
David Stroh, age 85, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at his home on June 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
David was born on September 10, 1939, in LaMoure, North Dakota, to Arthur and Adeline (Dathe) Stroh. He was raised in LaMoure as the eldest of five siblings, one brother and three sisters. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, ND. During his high school years, he was proud of his role in the FFA, where he won the North Dakota State Award for judging dairy cattle. He went on to attend the National Dairy Cattle Congress in Waterloo, Iowa where he took silver.
Following his graduation from LaMoure High School in 1957, David enlisted in the United States Army Reserves. It was then that he moved to Minneapolis where he met the love of his life, Marlene. Not long after, David was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis, meaning he would be stationed in Fort Lee, Virginia. Knowing he couldn’t leave Marlene behind, he asked for her hand in marriage. They were united in marriage on September 22nd, 1961. Off they went to Virginia! During his time in the reserves he served as a supply handler, trained sharp shooter and member of the Honor Guard. In 1962, he was honorably discharged and the couple moved to Coon Rapids, MN, where David began his employment at Honeywell, working as a team lead for 8 years. During this time, they started a family, welcoming Nathan and Stacy, their pride and joy.
In 1970, they relocated to Thief River Falls, and it was then that he found his calling in civil service with the United States Postal Service, where he went on to work faithfully for 30 years. A proud advocate for his fellow postal workers, he served both as a union steward and state representative for the Minnesota Chapter of the American Postal Workers Union. He retired from the Postal Service in 1999 at the age of 60.
David found deep joy in simple pleasures—his passion for classic cars was matched only by his love for the land. Time spent on his hobby farm brought him peace and pride, a connection to nature that grounded him. Over the years, David and Marlene treasured their winters in Arizona, where they formed lasting friendships and created warm memories under the desert sun.
David had an immense love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was known affectionately as “Papa” and then “Papa-Great”. He never failed to show up to every recital, birthday, game – whatever event it may be – he was there, beaming with pride. He was often seen with at least one grand or great-grand leading him around by the hand, climbing him like a jungle gym, or covering him in stickers, hugs and kisses. He treasured these special moments.
He will be remembered as a man of gentle nature, quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and deep devotion to the people he loved. – “143”-
David is survived by his son, Nathan, and his wife Dianne, along with their children Bethany (Norman) Nordby-Pelletier, Tiffany (Tyson) Lofberg, and Anna Stroh, all of Thief River Falls; his daughter, Stacy, and her husband Jeffrey Davidson of Thief River Falls, and their son Chad (Victoria Hoggarth) Davidson of Fargo, ND; great-grandchildren, Stevie, Jonah, Roman, Marlo, and Elsie; siblings, Kaye Reierson, Danny (Lucy) Stroh, Mary (Donald) Gentzkow, and Linda (Raymond) Thielges; brothers and sisters-in-law, Merlin (LaVonne) Raaen, Leland (Linda) Raaen, and Vanna Raaen; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene on December 25, 2014; his parents; brothers-in-law, Donald Raaen, Roger Raaen, and Ron Reierson.
Visitation will start at 5:00 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
The service to celebrate David’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Stephanie White officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at Norman Lutheran Church Cemetery, Bear Park Township, Norman County, MN.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
