Don L. Stroede

Donald Loren Stroede was born June 20 ^th , 1943, in Ellsworth, Kansas to Loren and Berenice Stroede, eventually becoming the big brother to two sisters, Judy and Pam. He peacefully left this world at 3:30 am March 6 ^th , 2023, at Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit, Kansas.

Don graduated from Tescott High School in Tescott Kansas in 1961.  Immediately after high school he entered the work force cutting meat for Boogaart's in Minneapolis Kansas.

On January 9 ^th , 1962 Don postponed his work life and joined the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron based out of Atsugi Japan, where he flew on reconnaissance planes all over the far east, including the Philippines, Thailand and Korea.  In May 1964 he was assigned to Danang AFB, South Vietnam and was part of the crew on the first permanent attachment sent to South Vietnam where he flew on reconnaissance missions in conjunction with the strike forces off the Carrier Air Group stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin.  Don received 2 Meritorious Achievement Citations for "courage and devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions".  During his service Don logged over 62 flights and 3000 hours of flight time.  Don was honorably discharged on May 2 ^nd , 1966.

Upon returning from his service to the United States, Don resumed his career as a meat cutter in Minneapolis, Concordia and eventually Beloit for the next 28years.  Upon leaving Boogaart's and the meat cutting business Don enjoyed many years with the City of Beloit working at the water treatment plant.

During his time in Concordia Don met and married Sharon Homolka, from Chester Nebraska.  Don and Sharon were married on September 17, 1967.  Don gladly adopted Shelly and Darren and later Randy and Chad were born into the family.

Don was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle.  Over the years Don enjoyed being outdoors camping, fishing and hunting, especially with his friends, kids and grandkids and of course his beloved German Shorthaired Pointers.  Don was a great teacher always by example when it came to anything from hunting, fishing, home improvements or shade tree mechanic work. Don always followed the kids and grandkids in their endeavors whether it be sports, dance or anything else they may be interested in.  No matter if it was the holidays or just because it was a good day Don always loved hosting family dinners and barbeques at "mom and dads".

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Loren and Berenice, in-laws, Rudy and Evelyn Homolka, grand children Amber and Dillon Stroede, and his dear wife of 49 years, Sharon who he is now happily reunited with.

Left to mourn his passing are his children Shelly and Mike Wilkison, Darren and Kelsey Stroede, Randy and Tonya Stroede and Chad and Maggie Stroede all of Beloit, his sisters Judy and Leon Hannebaum of Salina and Pam and Ben Bentley of Canyon, Texas.  Grand children Kirk and Gina Calhoon, Kaid Calhoon, Reese and Maddi Wilkison, Austin and Remington Stroede and Colbi Stroede; great grand children Rex, Sam and Francie Calhoon and Cash Calhoon.

Memorial services will be at 11 AM Friday, March 10 at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Visitation with the family present will be from 5-7 PM Thursday at the funeral home. Cremation has taken place. Memorials may be given to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or Wounded Warriors.