Richard "Dick" Strope's Obituary
Richard R. Strope (Dick), 90 of Centerville, passed away December 26, 2017 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville. Dick was born September 29, 1927 to William W. & Dora (Ickler) Strope on the family homestead at Venus, Nebraska. He attended country school and graduated from Orchard, Nebraska Public High School at the age of 16 in 1944. Dick entered the service in January, 1946 with the 526th TAS at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was discharged as a Corporal in March, 1947. Dick attended Norfolk Junior College in Norfolk, Nebraska for one year where he met his future wife. Dick transferred to Century College of Medical Technology in Chicago, graduating in 1949 as a Medical Technologist. Dick married Romona Koza at the First Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, Nebraska. They enjoyed 51 plus years together. Romona preceded him in death on December 1, 2002. Dick and Romona lived in Hays, Kansas prior to moving to Centerville in June, 1953. Dick was head of St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital Laboratory for 13 years. For three years he served as Personnel Director and as a Lay Director of Nurses. Dick was appointed President/CEO of St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital in 1969, serving 17 years. Dick retired in 1986 at the age of 58. During his tenure, the old hospital was closed when the patients were moved to the new building in 1979. After retirement, Dick worked for his daughter and son-in-law for a year after he retired learning to drive tractors again after 40 years. Dick felt it was the best transition he could have imagined. Dick graduated from Centerville Junior College and the University of Minnesota. He was Exalted Ruler of Elks, a long time Rotarian, member of several local service boards and a long time member of First Presbyterian Church. Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Romona, parents, three sisters, four brothers, grandson, Christopher and a daughter-in-law, Ann. Survivors include: son, Mark of Hamilton, Illinois, daughter, Marla Long (Gary) of Centerville, grandsons, Anthony Strope and daughter, Taylor of Nevada, Missouri, Jeremy Long (Jennifer) of Centerville, Jason Long (Ashley) of Centerville, granddaughters, Jennifer Donels (Todd) of Grinnell, Jaclyn Redinbaugh (Monty) of Exline, Iowa, Richard Strope (Rena) of Houston, TX, as well as great grandchildren, Lauren, Luke, Libby, Colt and Chase Long of Centerville, Layne Redinbaugh of Exline, Jace and Addison Donels of Grinnell. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 30, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church in Centerville with Rev. Brian Hargrave officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Haines Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, December 29, 2017 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with the family present from 6-8 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Youth Groups at First United Methodist Church - Centerville, First Presbyterian Church - Centerville, or the Presbyterian Youth Group in Hamilton, Illinois and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Richard "Dick" Strope please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Haines Cemetery Hwy 5 & 470th Street
Centerville, IA 52544 Visitation DEC 29. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CST) Thomas Funeral Home-Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544http://www.thomasfh.com Funeral Service DEC 30. 10:30 AM (CST) First Presbyterian Church 102 N. Main StCenterville, IA 52544
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