Royce Strasser

Royce Strasser, 78, of Summit, SD, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Milbank Area Hospital - Avera Health in Milbank, SD.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Hope Lutheran Church in Summit, SD. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.at the church, and will continue one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Pastor Janet Miller will officiate. Military inurnment will be at Hope Lutheran Cemetery near Summit.

The service will be live streamed, recorded and viewable below this obituary. 

Royce Eugene Strasser was born on May 9, 1946, in Milbank, SD, to Harold and Esther (Smit) Strasser. He attended Springdale #5 country school through the eighth grade and graduated from Wilmot High School in 1964.

On November 5, 1964, Royce enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country. He completed two tours in Vietnam, from September 1966 to September 1967 and again from June 1968 to May 1969. During his service, he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSgt) and served as an Aerospace Photographic Systems Specialist. In this role, he was responsible for operating, maintaining, and processing imagery from aerial photography systems, supporting reconnaissance, mapping, and other vital military operations. Royce took great pride in his military service, demonstrating skill and dedication in his field. He was honorably discharged on May 4, 1969.

Royce married Mitzi Grabow on June 27, 1971, at Hope Lutheran Church in Summit, SD. That same year, they moved to Spearfish, SD, before returning to Summit in 1972, where they made their lifelong home. They were blessed with a son, Fredrick “Fred” Strasser.

After returning to Summit, Royce worked for a laundromat and carpet company, where he laid carpet, as well as for Equity Elevator in Wilmot. He then began working for Roberts County, where he was employed for numerous years. On July 1, 1986, while still working for Roberts County, Royce and Mitzi purchased the Summit Variety Trustworthy Hardware Store. After retiring from his position with Roberts County in 2009, Royce took over full-time at the hardware store. Both Royce and Mitzi were deeply involved in their community, always willing to lend a helping hand. Whether it was fixing something for a neighbor or assisting with town projects, Royce was always there to help. His generosity and dedication to Summit made a lasting impact on those around him. When he wasn't busy repairing, he enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting and fishing. 

Royce was an active member of the American Legion, VFW, Summit Fire Department, and Summit Community Club. He was also a dedicated member of Hope Lutheran Church, where he served in various roles over the years.

After Mitzi’s passing in 2015, Royce remained in Summit. In 2024, he moved to numerous care centers before his passing in 2025.

Royce is survived by his granddaughter, Louella Strasser of South Shore, SD; his brothers: Delton (Vernette) Strasser of Wilmot, SD; Dale (Ruth) Strasser of Rochester, MN; and Keith (Lisa) Strasser of Omaha, NE; his in-laws; and many nieces and nephews.

He is reunited with his parents, Harold and Esther Strasser; his beloved wife, Mitzi; and his son, Fredrick.