David Stroh
David Dean Stroh, age 62, of Shelton, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 14, 2025, surrounded by his family at home.
Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. today, Thursday, March 20, at the Shelton United Methodist Church with Pastor Michelle Byerly officiating. The memorial service will be streamed live on Facebook: “Shelton United Methodist Church, Shelton, NE.” A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. apfelfuneralhome.com.
Those attending the memorial service are welcome to wear their “Stroh Strong” shirts. As David wished to support his community, memorials may be directed to the Shelton Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Shelton United Methodist Church, and “Shell” (Shelton Helping Everyone Live Longer) Shelton Cancer Fund.
David Dean Stroh was born on February 17, 1963, in Rapid City, South Dakota, to Gideon and Margaret “Peg” (Dean) Stroh. During his childhood, his family moved to Alliance before eventually settling in Shelton where he would establish deep roots. David grew up with his older brother, Greg, and younger brothers, Clark and Paul, forming bonds that lasted a lifetime.
David graduated from Shelton High School and attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he played football. He later transferred to Central Community College in Hastings, where he studied in the autobody technician program. While in college, he met Sandy Menke, and the two were married in 1984. Together, they built a life in Shelton, raising their three children: Jen, Kyle, and Kelly.
David spent most of his career working with Gangwish Seed Farms and Bruner’s Sand and Gravel, where he was known for his strong work ethic, dedication, and ability to fix anything. Beyond his career, David had a deep commitment to his community. He served as a member of the Shelton Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department and the Shelton Village Board, and he was actively involved in the Shelton United Methodist Church, holding various board positions. David coached many youth sports, where he not only guided his own children but also their friends, helping to shape their skills and instill values of teamwork and dedication.
David’s greatest joy came from those who called him “Pa.” He loved holding his grandbabies and making them smile. As they grew, he loved watching their activities and listening to their stories. David made sure the yard was equipped with a trampoline, basketball hoop, games, and bikes. He built a playhouse with a zipline and a swingset, and took every opportunity to make sure the grandkids had fun at “Grandma and Pa’s” house.
David put up the most courageous, admirable fight against cancer for nearly four years. His resilience and unwavering strength will never be forgotten.
He is survived by his wife and best friend, Sandy (Menke) Stroh; and his children, Jennifer and husband Shane Stutzman, and their children, Charlee and Sawyer; Kyle and wife McKenzie Stroh, and their daughter, Bergen; and Kelly and husband Ben Heath, and their sons, Colt and Jones. He is also survived by his brothers, Greg (Cindy) Stroh, Clark (Jennifer) Stroh, and Paul (Debra) Stroh, along with many beloved nephews, nieces, aunts, and uncles.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Gideon and Margaret “Peg” Stroh, and his father-in-law and mother-inlaw, Walter “Jack” and Irene Menke, and sister-in-law, Cindy Menke.
David will be remembered for his love for his family, sense of humor, love of muscle cars, and his ability to build and fix everything. He was a devoted husband of 40 years, an incredible father, and the greatest “Pa.” He leaves behind a legacy of patience, humor, hard work, kindness, strength, and love that will be cherished by all who knew him. His legacy will live on through his family and friends. Stroh Strong.