Anton “Tony” Stroh, 90, longtime Killdeer area rancher and registered Hereford Producer passed away on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at Hill Top Home of Comfort, Killdeer with family by his side. Tony’s Liturgy of Word Service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Killdeer with Deacon Dan Tuhy presiding. Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson. Visitation will continue from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Killdeer with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m.
Tony was born to Ambrose and Katherine (Hecker) Stroh on August 14, 1930 on the family farm near Emerson in Dunn county. He was the fourth born of six children. He attended school in Gladstone and then later in Killdeer when the family moved to begin the International Harvester Implement (Killdeer Implement) business.
From an early age, Tony was involved in 4-H where he began his love and interest in Hereford Cattle. He purchased his first female Herefords in the late 40’s which was the start of Stroh Herefords. On November 16, 1950, he married Leona Mack at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson. They moved to the family ranch east of Killdeer and started a family and the registered Hereford business. In 1964, he purchased the land from his father then expanded the ranch and Hereford business.
Tony was involved in several organizations and boards over the years. He served as a 4-H leader and instilled the importance of 4-H to his children and grandchildren. Tony was awarded the Outstanding Young Farmer Award for Dunn County, numerous Soil Conservation Awards: including the Tree Farm Award for planting numerous tree belts on the ranch. He served on the board for the Dunn County ASC Committee, Killdeer area Economic Development Corporation, ND Hereford Association, where he served as President and a Director. He was awarded the Hereford Man of the Year in 2005 for his contributions to the Hereford Association and a special FFA Award from the Killdeer High School Chapter. Tony was a member of the ND Stockman’s Association, American Hereford Association, Dunn County Farm Bureau Board, Killdeer Saddle Club and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Tony will be greatly missed by his family. He always loved visiting about cattle and politics, giving and receiving good jokes now and then. Tony was a true steward of his cattle, the land and his family he cherished so .
He leaves behind his wife of 70 years, Leona, Hill Top Home of Comfort, Killdeer; six children, Roberta (Wayne) Schmitz, Elgin, Dave (Debb) Stroh, Killdeer, Jackie Stroh, Miles City, Mont., Neil (Alvara) Stroh, Sandy, Ore., Mike (Dawn) Stroh, Killdeer, and Kelly (Mike) Weidner, Kindred; 13 grandchildren, Sheldon (Cody Schneider) Schmitz, Shawn (Heather) Schmitz, Kayleen Stroh, Joshua Stroh, Jesse (Mariah) Stroh, Tara (Bob) Schmitz Watson, Garrett (Olivia) Lamach, Jill (Chris Anderson) Stroh, Jodi Stroh, Krystle Twiss, Lucas Stroh, Brandon (Samantha Blattenbauer) Weidner, and Matt Stroh; 11 great-grandchildren, Myra Stroh, Hannah Schmitz, Brittney Schmitz, Jaden Schmitz, Brennan Schmitz, Kenyatta Stroh, Faye Ann Remboldt, Abi Watson, McKenna Remboldt, Madison Stroh, and Leona Stroh; numerous nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Kathleen Stroh.
Tony was the last member of his siblings. He is preceded in death by his sisters, Irene Boe, Theodora Sabrosky, and Leona Gunsch; brothers, James “Cap” Stroh and Donald Stroh; and his parents, Ambrose and Katherine (Hecker) Stroh.