Melvin Robert "Bob" Stroh

Melvin Robert "Bob" Stroh

Melvin Robert "Bob" Stroh of Olympia, Washington, passed away on March 3, 2011. He was born on December 15, 1936, in LaSalle, Illinois, (original surname Michaleski) and was later adopted by Luther and Eva Stroh of Chana, Illinois, where he grew up. As a youth, he enjoyed playing baseball, and once tried out for the Chicago Cubs (and in later years played for the Sheboygan As). He graduated from Oregon, Illinois, High School, and married his high school sweetheart Shirley Stroh (Brown) on November 12, 1955, in Oregon, thereafter celebrating 54 years of marriage.
While working full time and supporting a family, Bob earned a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education, Masters Degree in Outdoor Education, and a Masters Degree in Guidance Counseling. He and Shirley lived in California, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Washington, and visited many states including Hawaii and Alaska along with trips to Mexico and Canada. They also lived for many years in Zweibrucken and Wiesbaden, Germany, and visited many countries throughout Europe where they marveled at the historic sights, cultural events, mountains and beautiful countryside. He also was active coaching youth football, acting in plays (such as The Miracle Worker, Camelot, and Fiddler on the Roof), sailing, skiiing and snow-shoeing, fishing, hiking, Volksmarching in Germany, flying kites, whale watching, RVing, and listening to the rain. He also liked to go to the movies with his wife, and especially liked gritty westerns, comedies, and character actors.
Bob was a veteran of the US Air Force, worked as a telephone lineman and social worker, and then as an elementary teacher and guidance counselor. As a young man, he also worked as a radio DJ in California, and later volunteered at radio stations in Washington. He retired from Olympia Inter City Transit where he drove a bus then worked in customer service, where he enjoyed the warmth and camaraderie of his co-workers. He taught his family to "live your dream" and a "can do" attitude. He very much missed his wife, Shirley, deceased since June 6, 2010.
Surviving Bob are his sons Darren and Patrick; daughter-in-laws Carol and Theresa; grandchildren Sarah, Erin and Eli; great grandson Dylan; as well as his sister-in-law Deborah King and her children. He was also preceded in death by his first son Robert Kevin in 2000. The family wishes to express gratitude for his and Shirley's friends who made their lives better and supported them during tough times. Bob (Dad) will be sorely missed, especially his enthusiastic laugh and willingness to help. His and Shirley's ashes were spread together in the waves and rain at Ocean Shores, Washington, which they loved so much. Condolences may be sent to the Stroh Family, 1548 Heinz Camp Road, Portersville, PA 16051. Please make a donation to Northern Illinois University Foundation http://www.niufoundation.org/give (donate by mail designated to the Larado Taft Field Campus in honor of Bob and Shirley Stroh).