Aric Nevin "Papa Cookie Monster" Stroup

Aric Nevin Stroup, age 76, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025, at Faith Cottages in Basehor, Kansas, embraced by the love of the Ketterling Family. Born December 24, 1948, in Lawrence, Kansas, Aric brought his legendary wit, hardworking nature, and a twinkle charm in his blue eyes to every space he entered. He fought a valiant battle against Parkinson's disease, dementia, and cancer-a true warrior's farewell.

Raised in Webster Groves, Missouri, Aric was the beloved middle child of Eleanor Canning Stroup and Robert Stroup, often finding adventure at the side of his older brother, Randall Bryant Stroup, Sr., and basking in the admiration of his younger sister, Karen Thompson. Fishing was a passion inherited from his father, and Aric's natural knack for the outdoors led to many (mostly true!) "big bass" stories and numerous tournament victories.

Aric proudly served as a Sergeant in the Army Reserve from 1969 to 1976. Following his military service, he earned his Biology degree from the University of Kansas, where he also played baseball. After marrying his first wife, Elizabeth Barthell Stroup, Aric relocated to Galena, Illinois, starting a family and planting the roots of a lifelong connection to nature and hard work.

Aric's life was rich in adventure and simple pleasures. He was an enthusiastic fisherman, winning bass tournaments at Lake Galena and Table Rock Lake, and master storyteller-most of his "fish tales" were, sometimes true. Living on the Illinois farm, surrounded by fields, horses, and wildlife, was Aric's pride and joy. Throughout his life, he also delighted in hunting, horseback riding, watching the Kansas City Chiefs with his son Brady, learning Pokémon facts from grandson Weston, and cheering on grandson Cooper in his baseball games. Winters in sunny Florida, evenings spent playing Scrabble, and karaoke moments were also cherished with his partner, Ilisa.

Aric's legacy is lovingly carried on by his children, Amanda Stroup Ketterling, Brady Ketterling, Carolyn Sandberg, Jason Stroup (Theresa), along with his partner Ilisa Farrell and step-children, Elizabeth Klemmer (Scott & Eloise), Alex (Jolie, Nicky, & Alexander Jr.), DeLisa DeBolt Rogers and Dennis DeBolt. He will be missed dearly by his adored grandchildren, Weston Robert, Cooper Jay, and Olivia. He is still honored by his sister, Karen (Bill) Thompson, and was preceded in death by his brother Randy, and his parents, Eleanor and Robert. His loyal dog Mimi, who passed in 2022, shared life's quiet moments and many adventures, will be laid to rest with him.

Aric requested no formal service; he will be cremated and buried alongside his late wife, Nancy DeBolt Stroup, in a joint military plot at Linwood Cemetery, Dubuque, Iowa. A graveside burial will take place in October 2025 with just immediate family celebrating his life.

As J.R.R. Tolkien reminds us, "It's not about the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit." We love you, Papa Cookie Monster, to the moon and back