Roger Strup (1930-2020)

Roger Dean Strup passed away peacefully, in the presence of family on Sunday afternoon, March 29, 2020, in Middlefield, Ohio, at the age of 89. Roger was born on Nov. 17, 1930, in Angola, Indiana, to Edward and Viola (Willoughby) Strup. Roger grew up on the family farm east of Edgerton, Ohio.

Roger graduated from Edgerton High School in 1948 and then Ohio State University in 1952 with a degree in agriculture.

After graduation from OSU, Roger served in the military, including time in Korea, where he oversaw the withdrawal of U.S. troops as part of the U.S. Army Transportation Corps.

After his return from service, he taught and coached in Edgerton and Bryan, Ohio, where he had conquered his nerves to ask a young lady, Shirlee Musser, to a square dance. Roger and Shirlee were married in 1954 and shortly after moved into Edgerton, Ohio, where Roger again coached and taught.

He ventured into the insurance business, first joining Bob Wherle’s Agency, later known as the Strup-Wherle Agency and then ultimately Strup Agency with his son, Tom. Roger was an anchor in the downtown Edgerton business community for over 50 years before retiring.

He was active in the Rotary Club, Edgerton Area Foundation, chamber of commerce, United Methodist Church, VFW and the Masonic Lodge. He served many years on the Edgerton School Board. Roger truly loved the Edgerton business and school community.

Roger also loved all things sports. His family remembers many trips to basketball, baseball, football, softball, bowling and golf events. When not playing, Roger traveled far and wide to watch his family play and after his four children graduated, that kept up at DePauw University and anywhere the Edgerton Bulldogs were playing. Roger will be remembered for his steady temperament, strong character, quiet pride and dedication to his family.

Roger and Shirlee raised four children, David, Stephen, Lynne and Tom. There were a lot of Fourth of July parade floats for Strup Agency, gardening, family outings and countless sporting events throughout the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s.

He and Shirlee encouraged their children to reach for the stars. Dad instilled in his children his love of sport, discipline, character and sense of pride for family and community. Roger also beamed when seeing or talking about his six grandchildren and great-grandchild.

Roger was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Shirlee, just over three weeks prior to his death (in part, certainly, from a broken heart). He is survived by his four children, David (Susan) Strup, Stephen (Sue) Strup, Lynne (Les) Shearer and Thomas (Marcia) Strup; six grandchildren, Spencer and Sydney Strup, Rick and Mitchell Shearer, Dean and Jackson Strup; and one great-grandchild, Aiden Shearer.

Due to current restrictions, a private graveside funeral service, including Army military honors, will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Edgerton, Ohio. Our memories of all the dear family and friends present at Shirlee’s service on March 11 will sustain us through this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Roger’s honor to the Edgerton Area Foundation or to Edgerton United Methodist Church.

Special thanks go to our sister Lynne whose selfless dedication to Mom and Dad during these past few years provided the comfort and tender care needed to enhance their quality of life.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Foth-Dorfmeyer Mortuary, Toledo, Ohio. Online condolences may be left at www.fothdorfmeyer.com.