John Martin Strole

John Martin Strole

June 16, 1927 ~ May 23, 2015

John Martin Strole, age 87, of Montrose, passed away May 23, 2015 at his home. John was born June 16, 1927 to Emery Luther and Stella Irene (Weber) Strole in Newton, Illinois.  He spent his childhood and graduated from high school in Newton.  At the age of 18, John enlisted in the United States Navy. Following his honorable discharge he married his wife, Lela Foster on April 20, 1947 in Hidalgo, Illinois.

Prior to John’s retirement, he was a private Insurance Agent for many years. He was a member of the Montrose Christian Church.  John loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and backpacking.  He enjoyed gardening and spending time with family.

Surviving family members include his wife Lela, of the family home in Montrose; daughter Mitzi Jo Dion of Newton, Illlinois sons Martin Russell Strole and John Mark Strole of Montrose, Paul Lesley Strole of Grand Junction, Colorado, Robert Ernest Strole of Vernal, Utah and David Edward Strole of Montrose;  and one brother Hallie Strole of Greenup, Illinois, 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.  John was preceded in death by his parents Emery and Stella, brother Neil and two sisters Helen and Eileen.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Thursday, May 28, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Montrose Christian Church.  The Memorial Service in celebration of John’s life will be Friday, May 29, 2015 at 10:00 am at the Montrose Christian Church.  Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest Hospice, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, Co. 81402 or to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas  66675. The Service will conclude at the Church.  Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, in Montrose is assisting the family.