Martin Stroh, 92, Dickinson, ND, died peacefully on Monday, November 26, 2007 just 24 days short of his 93rd birthday at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Martin’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, November 29, 2007 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Dennis Schafer as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday and from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., Thursday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson. There will be a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m., Wednesday at Ladbury Funeral Service.
Martin was born December 21, 1914 on the family farm west of Manning, ND, in Dunn County, the son of Rapheal and Klementina (Keller) Stroh. He worked on his father’s family farm until 1936 when he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. He remained with the CCC’s for about three years.
Martin married Elizabeth Schmidt on October 17, 1939 at St. Edwards Catholic Church, Fayette, ND. They worked on several small farms until 1942 when they were able to purchase a farm eight miles north of Killdeer, ND. In the fall of 1954 they moved to the Schmidt homestead eight miles west of Manning. They had been farming for several years when Martin realized that he enjoyed the ranching end the most. He purchased several more acres of hay and pasture land and started his Horned Hereford herd, his pride and joy. In later years he switched to the Simmental breed. Martin had received many awards for his herds. Working along with his wife and children they successfully farmed and ranched until 1984 when they both got tired of fighting the snow banks and frozen water tanks. They moved to their 2nd Ave. SW residence in Dickinson where they have resided since. Martin was named the Retired Farmer and Rancher of the Year several years later.
Martin was a lifetime member of the Eagles Club, Knights of Columbus Club, and St. Anthony Club along with being a member of the Stockman’s Association. He loved to read in his spare time and had always had a wonderful memory.
Martin is survived by his wife, Betty; their six children, Carl, Dickinson, Hilda Roller-Lamprecht, Dickinson, Bernadette “Bernie” Axtman, Bismarck, Kenneth, Dickinson, Annette “Ellen” Giovannoni, Diamond Springs, CA, and Marvin, Washburn; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, Peter (Barbara) Stroh, Dickinson; four sisters, Josephine Hartman, Eleanor Schmidt, Louise Faller and Eva Kilzer all of Dickinson; and one sister-in-law, Cecelia Stroh, Dickinson. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Nick and Sebastian; two sisters, Monica and Clementina; two sons-in-law, Peter Roller and Frank Lamprecht; six brothers-in-law, and one sister-in-law.
