Mark Strope's Obituary
Dr. Mark Alan Strope, 66, of Hamilton, Illinois, passed away Saturday, January 23, 2021, 4:15 AM at his home. He was born on September 6, 1954 in Centerville, Iowa, the son of Richard "Dick" and Romona (Koza) Strope. He married Ann Phillips on December 4, 1982 in Lebanon, KY. She preceded him in death on May 16, 2017. Dr. Strope is survived by two sons: Tony (Jackie) Strope of Nevada, MO and Richard (Dr. Rena) Strope of Houston, TX; one sister: Marla (Gary) Long of Centerville, IA; five grandchildren: Taylor Ann, Emily, Hayden, Sloane Ann, and Sylas Christopher. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a son, Christopher Strope. Mark graduated from Centerville High School, Centerville, Iowa. He graduated from University of Iowa with his BS in 1976 and his M.D. in 1979. He served his residency at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, NC from 1979-1982. Dr. Strope moved to Hamilton, IL in 1985, taking over Dr. BC "Kappy" Kappmeyer's practice. He continued his private practice until joining Keokuk Medical Group. While associated with KAH, he served as Chief of Staff (1989 - 1990 and 1991 - 1992), Family Practice Medicine Chief (2010 - 2011), and Medical Staff Secretary / Treasurer (2014 - 2021). He also served on the Medical Executive Committee (1989-1993 and 2012-2021), Medical Staff Performance Improvement Committee (2006-2021) where he was chairman for 11 years, the OB Committee (1990 -2009), Bylaws Committee (2006-2021), Education / Library Committee (1986 - 2006) where he was chairman in 2006, and Infection Control Committee (2014 - 2017) where he was chairman in 2014 and 2015. Dr. Strope also served on the Board of Physicians at KAME for several years, was currently serving as director of Lee County Hospice, and was a board member on Hancock County Health Department. Mark had been an active member of Bethel Presbyterian Church where he sang in the church choir and volunteered personal time maintaining the building. Dr. Strope was a member of Kiwanis Club of Hamilton for over 35 years where he served as President, Vice President and Secretary. He served as chairman of the club's Young Children Priority One Program and helped to provide annual kindergarten packets to the Hamilton School System, along with child rearing books and videos for the Hamilton Public Library for years. In addition to Kiwanis, his passion for helping was a special part of his community involvement and extended to Big Brother / Big Sister, Ducks Unlimited, and many more. He had also enjoyed performing in and supporting Kardiac Kapers through Keokuk Area Hospital Auxiliary. Dr. Strope was instrumental in bringing the civil war reenactment of The Battle of Pea Ridge to Keokuk, Iowa and was an avid participant in all events. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and along with being an avid gardener, he took special time every spring to hunt morel mushrooms. He loved spending time on his farm along the Mississippi River where he stayed busy with all kinds of projects. He loved his family, his medical profession, and all that life brings. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, Illinois with Bob Wagner officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton, Illinois. Visitation will be held Friday, January 29, 2021 between 4:00 and 7:00 PM at the church. CDC guidelines will be followed. Memorials have been established for Bethel Presbyterian Church or Hamilton Kiwanis Club. O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home of Quincy, Illinois is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be left for the family at www.odonnellcookson.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mark Strope please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Oakwood Cemetery Visitation JAN 29. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CST) Bethel Presbyterian Church 1421 Broadway StreetHamilton, IL 62341 Funeral Service JAN 30. 1:00 PM (CST) Bethel Presbyterian Church 1421 Broadway StreetHamilton, IL 62341
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