Obituary- John C. ‘Jack’ Stroh

John C. ‘Jack’ Stroh
1-1-1921 ~ 8-23-2012
John C. “Jack” Stroh, 91, entered into Heaven August 23, 2012. Born January 1, 1921, he is survived by his wife Marjie J. Stroh and children Karen R. Tripp (Bob), John C. Stroh, II (Faye), Paul C. Stroh, and David M. Stroh (Randi), all of the Walsenburg area.
He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and two siblings: Ruth Pitman of Littleton, Colorado and Herbert Stroh of Renton, Washington, and his sister-in-law Evalyn Stroh of Parker, Colorado, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Rosabelle Stroh; and his brother Donald, sister Pearl Nauman, and two brothers-in-law, Lew Pitman and Rueben Nauman.
Jack was a life-long rancher and a consummate advocate for agriculture. He served many years on Soil Conservation District boards, was a member of Farm Bureau and the Cattlemen’s Association his entire adult life, serving in leadership roles in all of those organizations.
Jack attended Colorado A & M (now Colorado State University) in Ft. Collins, majoring in Agronomy. His passion was the proper management and care of the land and the improvement and care of his cattle. Jack was an early breeder of Scottish Highland cattle, starting in 1956, and initiated various crossbreeding programs in search of better beef and efficient natural production.
He served as National President of the American Highland Breeders Association, and was instrumental in opening up the National Western Stock Show to breeds other than the standard three English breeds. At National Western Stock Show, his cattle won the carcass contest 11 times with Scottish Highland and Highland-cross cattle. For his contribution to the industry, he was awarded a Life Member status of the National Western Stock Show.
As one of the foremost authorities on the Scottish Highland breed, Jack was highly sought after to judge many livestock shows throughout the United States and internationally in Canada and Scotland, where he had audience with Queen Elizabeth II after unknowingly selecting one of her heifers as Grand Champion.
Once retired from active ranching, Jack entered into a successful career as a Real Estate Broker with his son John, focusing on agricultural properties. Jack was always active in the communities in which he lived, his quest being to give back and make those communities better,
Jack was a devoted Christian, who lived his faith through his integrity and behavior. He served many years as Sunday School Superintendent at Last Chance Methodist Church, and as Chairman of the Administrative Board of United Church in Walsenburg. He provided leadership and Christian witness to all who knew him.
His 68-year loving marriage to Marjie was an inspiration. His family was most important to him; he nurtured and guided them, and served as an example of a faith-based life well-lived. He was always a man of principle who served others through his hard work and steadfast beliefs. He readily accepted the responsibility and challenge of being a man of God.
There will be no public viewing, cremation will be by Boies-Ortega Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held at United Church of Walsenburg, Saturday, September 1, 2012, at 11 am, with a potluck dinner to follow. Beef and beverages will be provided.
Donations may be made to United Church of Walsenburg, c/o John Stroh, PO Box 1169, Walsenburg, CO 81089. Please designate as “Jack Stroh Memorial.”