Calvin "Alfred" Stroud

1936 - 2026

Emmett - Calvin "Alfred" Stroud passed away on February 9, 2026, at the age of 89. His life was marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a quiet strength that carried him through every season.

Alfred was born on November 14, 1936, in Parks, Nebraska, to Alvin and Dorothy Stroud. He grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and integrity-values that shaped the man he became. He attended schools in the Emmett Valley and was a member of the Class of 1955. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving until 1957. His time in the service remained a lasting source of pride, and he often shared stories about the men he served with filled with camaraderie, humor, and respect. His love for his country was unwavering and sincere and remained strong throughout his life.

After returning home to Emmett, Alfred began working for Boise Cascade. On August 7, 1965, he married the love of his life, Gayle Kay Sarriugarte. Together, they built a marriage filled with loyalty, laughter, and spirited banter. They were blessed with two daughters, Karleen and Kristal, who were the center of Alfred's world.

In 1974, Alfred became a co-owner of Emmett Valley Fruit, Inc. and owned and operated his own orchard until 2004. He proudly served on the Idaho Apple Commission from 1979 to 1983. Alfred understood the land, respected honest labor, and genuinely enjoyed being a fruit grower. After the closing of Emmett Valley Fruit, he went to work for the Idaho Department of Labor, from which he retired in 2010.

Alfred was known for his generous nature, dependable character, and ability to make others laugh. Friends and family remember a man who loved telling stories of days gone by. He found joy in the simple things and never sought material possessions. Alfred would truly give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

Alfred was an extraordinary, loving, and an involved father who would do anything for his girls. His guidance, wisdom, and sense of humor remain with them always. He was also an incredibly proud grandfather, and nothing brought out his smile quite like his grandchildren. They could always count on him to show up front and center, in every sense, with constant encouragement for whatever they set out to do and for just the right joke. Most recently, he was blessed with the joy of becoming a great-grandfather, a role he cherished deeply. Holding his great-granddaughter and seeing another generation of his family begin was a gift he held close to his heart.

He is survived by his daughters, Karleen (Jess) Wilson and Kristal Cilley; grandchildren, Hailey (Reece) Landa, Jefferson Hendrix Cilley, and Emily Gayle Cilley; great-granddaughter, Grace Kay Landa; his sister, Dotty Christison; and many extended family members and friends who loved him.

Alfred was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gayle Kay Stroud; his parents, Alvin and Dorothy Stroud; his sister, Arlene Becken; and his brother, Jim Stroud.

A memorial service honoring Alfred's life will be held on February 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Potter Funeral Chapel in Emmett, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to a meaningful charity.

Alfred leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and faithfulness. He will be deeply missed and forever carried in our hearts.