William "Bill" Edward Strouth

Funeral Service Link

Ashton, Iowa

     William “Bill” Strouth, age 96, of Ashton, Iowa, died on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

     Visitation will be Friday, July 7th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ashton.  There will be a rosary at 4:30 p.m.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ashton, IA, with Father Siby Punnoose as celebrant.

     Burial will follow at the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Ashton, with military honors by William Ben Hoffman American Legion Post No. 290 of Ashton.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials received will be donated to selected charities.

     William Edward Strouth was born on May 9, 1927, in Ashton, IA, the son of John and Margaret (Johannes) Strouth.  He grew up in Ashton and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School. 

     On November 21, 1950, Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army.  Bill served during the Korean War and was stationed in several different places such as Texas, Maryland, and Virginia.  He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on November 21, 1952, with the rank of Corporal.

     On April 11, 1953, Bill was united in marriage to Catherine Jones of Ebony, VA at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Roanoke Rapids, NC.  To this union, five children were born, Edward, Steven, Vicki, William “Doug”, and Michelle. 

     Bill then began farming with his wife and family near Ashton, IA.  Bill was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the William Ben Hoffman American Legion Post No. 290 of Ashton since 1960.  He served as commander of the legion post for many years.  He was a long-time member of the Osceola County Cattlemen’s Association and served as a board member on the Ashton elevator.     

     Bill and his wife enjoyed tending their lawn and garden.  Many enjoyable hours were spent planting, weeding, shelling, and sharing their bounty with family and friends.   The greatest joy of Bill’s life was spending time with his family.  He beamed with his special sweet smile when surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He often remarked, “I have a wonderful family.”  He made the best popcorn!  He also enjoyed fishing with family whenever he had the opportunity.

     Bill is survived by his wife of 70 years, Catherine Strouth of Ashton, IA; five children, Edward (Crystal) Strouth of Ashton, IA, Steven Strouth of Sioux Falls, SD, Vicki Strouth of Sioux Falls, SD, William “Doug” (Amy) Strouth of Sheldon, IA, and Michelle (Mark) Bower of Hornick, IA; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren plus another on the way, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, John, and Margaret Strouth; and eight siblings, Mike, Gerard “Shorty”, Jake, Helen, Marie, Loretta, John, and Anthony.