Funeral services for Herbert Stroh of Gregory were held Thursday, June 21, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at the Congregational Church in Gregory, SD with Pastor Tim Voigt and Pastor Allen Bouslaugh officiating. A visitation was held Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory.

Music was provided by Geoff Smith, soloist, singing "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" and a duet by Allen & Lela Bouslaugh singing "Precious Memories" accompanied by Lela Bouslaugh, pianist. Congregational songs were "Amazing Grace" and "Just a Closer Walk."

Bonnie Brown, Lou Zimbelman, and Diane King were in charge of registration. Flower attendants were Veronica Frasch, Lori Kaupp, and Maria Talsma.

Casket Bearers were Roger Stroh, Keith Stroh, Garry Wetzler, Ralph Zimbelman, Donn Reber, and Gary Stinton.

Honorary Casket Bearers were Dr. Gary Straight, Dennis Kelly, Darrell Jones, August Bortz, Marv Gies, Harley Hill, Rod Grim, Frank Stukel, Mick Borszich, Harlan Vedral, and Jim Hoffie.

Ushers were Shawn Stinton and Nick Reber.

Interment was in the Graceland Cemetery, Burke, SD.

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Herbert Ervin Stroh was born December 30, 1935 on the Stroh farm south of Herrick. Herbie was the youngest of three boys born to George and Emma (Wetzler) Stroh. He began his school years south of Herrick and finished the eighth grade at a country school 15 miles south of Gregory.

Herbie worked with his parents on the farm until he was 26 years old. Then he began working for Francis Driscoll at the Gregory Livestock Auction. He worked a total of 50 years at the livestock auction and for three different owners. He was still working at the livestock barn when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. Herbie also worked as a custodian at the auditorium for 23 years from 1979 until 2003.

When the senior meal program was started in Gregory in 1984, Herbie was a volunteer to deliver the meals to the home patrons. This later became a regular job and Herbie became the head driver in November of 2001 until his illness prevented him from continuing.

Herbie lived at the Corner Café for 10 years, at Hannahs apartments for 11 years, and then moved into the Nemer apartments on Church Street.

Herbie enjoyed winter time hunting and shooting rabbits and squirrels. He also enjoyed playing pitch at the Legion Club. Herbie was recognized around town in his yellow Luv pickup. Herbie and his family were members of the Congregational Church in Gregory.

Herbie passed to his eternal home on June 18, 2012, at the age of 76 years.

Herbie was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Ivan and Emerald.

He is survived by three nephews, Roger (Sherry) Stroh of Brandon, SD; Keith (Eunice) Stroh of Sioux Falls, SD; and Ben (Debra) Stroh of Fargo, ND; one niece, Bonnie Brown of Sioux Falls, SD; and by nine great nieces and nephews and thirteen great, great nieces and nephews; and by his good friend, Jack Clark.

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God sensed that I began to tire
A cure not yet to be.
In solace He took my hand
And whispered "Come with me."

With hopeful eyes you helped me fight
Then saw me fade away.
Your love gave me the strength I lacked
But could not make me stay.

My earnest heart ceased beating
The spirit is at rest.
In Jesus I am now at peace
Thru Christ, forever blessed.

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The Twenty-Third Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
Thou anointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.