John Stroh
December 8, 1924 — February 14, 2012
John Erwin Stroh of Marion, formerly of San Antonio, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at the age of 87. He was born on December 8, 1924 to Erwin J. Stroh and Lillian Amelia Meyer Stroh in San Antonio. He attended school in San Antonio and completed three years of high school at San Antonio Technical and Vocational High School. He was drafted into the Army Air Corp on June 16, 1943, where he was radio operator for his bomber crew. They completed 30 combat missions and he was awarded an Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the European Theater ribbon with 3 Bronze Battle Stars along with the Good Conduct Medal. He formed a close bond with his fellow crew members, three of which are still living, and kept in close contact with them through the years. They were his family away from home and it was through the grace of God that they came home as a group. After leaving the service, John worked as a Factory Supervisor at several San Antonio businesses, including Prince Dog Food, the Judson Candy Company, and Lancer Corporation. Upon retirement, he and his wife moved to their farm in Marion where he enjoyed his cattle and pet dogs. Survivors include his beloved wife, Bertha C. Stroh of Marion, Sons Glenn and wife Gayle Stroh of Marion and John and wife Beth Stroh of Friday, Texas, Grandchildren Glenn C. Stroh, Jr. and wife Lauren of Dallas, Texas and Amanda Stroh of College Station, Texas. Step-Grandchildren Shaun Hummel of Ladies Island, SC, Samantha Hummel of Abilene, and Mark Hummel of Houston as well as Step-Great-Grandchildren Hannah Deen, Justin Taylor, Shawn Taylor, Brooke Martinez and Brycen Hummel. Also surviving are his devoted sister Velma S. Gaedke, niece Debbie Castleberry and husband David of Corpus Christi and nephew Lloyd Gaedke and wife Joan of Austin along with Grand nephews Chad Castleberry and Tobin Gaedke and Grand niece Denise Dufrain and their loving families along with several other nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Esther Stroh. Visitation will be held at the Schertz Funeral Home, located at 2217 FM 3009 in Schertz, Texas on Friday, February 24, 2012 from 5-9 pm, with the family present from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 2 pm at St. John Lutheran Church, located on FM 465 in Marion with burial to follow in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Gideons International at P.O. Box 736, Seguin, Texas 78155, Vitas Hospice, 5430 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 200, San Antonio, Texas 78229 or the Organ Fund at St. John Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 68, Marion, Texas 78124. The family wishes to express their thanks for the exceptional care of Dr. Francis W. Mueller and Dr. Samuel Neeley along with Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in New Braunfels and Methodist Hospital in San Antonio.
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