Leland Edwin Stroh

Leland Edwin Stroh, 90, passed from this life 4:20 p.m., Sunday, February 20, 2011, at The Gardens of Wapakoneta. He was born in Wapakoneta on July 13, 1920, the son of Edwin John and Esther Anna Louise (Pohlman) Stroh who preceded him in death. He married Lois Catherine Koch July 13, 1941. She died February 21, 1969. He then married Mary V. (Clemens) West October 3, 1970. She died March 24, 1999. Leland was a 1938 graduate of Blume High School and attended Wittenberg University for 2 years before enlisting in the Army during WWII. He served in the Pacific theater as a surgical nurse and was discharged with the rank of Sergeant. On his return from service he worked for The City Loan and Savings Company in Wapakoneta. Leland served as Loan Manager, then Savings Manager and Assistant Secretary of the Company for many years. He retired in 1982 after 37 years of service. Leland was involved in the community as a respected leader. He was an Assistant Scoutmaster and served on the BSA District Board of Directors. He was a member of the Moulton Gun Club, American Legion Post 330, Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary for over 25 years, Greenlawn Cemetery Association Trustee & Secretary, Hamer Lodge #167 F&AM Past Master and 65 year member, Wapakoneta Chapter #183 RAM Past High Priest and 60 year member, and a 50 year member Koneta Chapter OES. A lifelong member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Wapakoneta, Leland served the Church as Treasurer of Council for many years. He was instrumental in the building of Timmermeister Fellowship Hall and the Educational unit as Project Manager. In recent years he has been a member of the Living Endowment Board. Leland’s avocation was his garden - growing vegetables and tending fruit trees, canning produce, and sharing with family and friends brought him great joy. As a resident of the Gardens of Wapakoneta the past four years, he continued to share his love of gardening by growing Evening Primrose flowers and sweet potatoes. With the assistance of his sister, Nancy, he was responsible for the compilation of the business history of Wapakoneta published in the Book of Wapakoneta for the Auglaize County Historical Society in 2009. Leland had the unique ability to spin a story and take the listener to a different place and time. His service to others was a hallmark of his character and integrity. He is survived by his daughter Katharine A. (Rollin) Wellington of Wapakoneta, his son David L. (Sonia Niese) Stroh of Englewood. Step-children are Cheryl (Roy) Mitchem of Washington C.H. and Nancy Jo (Robert) Rhodes of Saline, Michigan. Grandchildren Joshua R. (Katherine) Wellington, Lucas D. (Karen) Wellington, Katharine L. (Richard) Madding, Sarah E. (Thomas) Lipps, Jonathan D. Stroh, and Amy K. Stroh. Step-grandchildren Matthew M. Mitchem, Alan W. Mitchem, Emily L. Wright, Ethan J. Wright, and William F. Rhodes-Hamby. He is survived by 11 Great-grandchildren �" Emma, Madeline, and Colin Wellington; Anna, Samuel, and Nathaniel Madding; Ezra, Sadie, and Oscar Wellington; Noah and Evan Lipps. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy A. Stroh of Wapakoneta. The memorial service of Thanksgiving and Celebration will be 10:30 a.m., Thurs. Feb. 24, 2011, at St.Paul United Church of Christ, Wapakoneta, Pastor Becky Sunday and Rev. Elaine Mikesell officiating. Interment will follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta, where military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta V.F.W. Calling will be 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., Wed. at the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, and 1 hr. prior to the service, Thurs. at the church. A Masonic Memorial service will be 8:00 p.m., Wed. at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul UCC, St. Rita’s Hospice, or The Gardens of Wapakoneta Activity Fund.

Leland Edwin Stroh

July 13, 1920 - February 20, 2011