In Loving Memory of Baron Craig Stroop
March 6, 1973 – August 16, 2025
Baron Craig Stroop, 52, of Colstrip, Montana, passed away tragically doing what he loved most, riding fast and free, on August 16, 2025. A beloved father, son, brother, partner, uncle and friend- Baron lived a life full of laughter, motion, and deep devotion to those he loved.
Born on March 6, 1973, in Great Falls, Montana, to Dave and Judi Stroop, Baron was their firstborn son and quickly took to being his dad’s sidekick and the wide skies and open land of Big Sky Country. A true Montana boy, he spent his early years in Belt surrounded by a tight-knit tribe of cousins, mischief, and memory-making. He shared an unbreakable bond with his younger brother Chad, opposites in many ways, but united in humor, sharp wit, and brotherly love expressed through a steady stream of inside jokes, memes, and laughter.
Raised by a hardworking mechanic and a caring school cook, Baron carried the values of diligence, loyalty, and grit throughout his life. He was a man who showed up…for family, for friends, for community.
In 2002, Baron married Azure Park (now divorced), and together they had four beautiful daughters: Paige, Zoey, Aubrey, and Tessa. Fatherhood was Baron’s proudest role. His girls were his world, the heartbeat behind every decision he made. He was present in every sense of the word: cheering from the stands, driving hours just to watch a game or a recital, offering his strength during the highs and lows of growing up. He also poured his love into his bonus children, Kait and Keagan, as well as his nephews Keagan and Kale, never missing a chance to show up to support their endeavors.
For the last decade, Baron shared his life with Shayla Luhman, his partner in love and in life. Together, they embraced a full and adventurous life, crisscrossing the highways on his motorcycle, rocking out at concerts, and navigating the beautiful chaos of blending families. Their partnership was filled with laughter and shared dreams.
Baron’s life was one marked by hard work, humor, and quiet strength. He spent many years as a Drag Line Operator at Westmoreland Rosebud Mine, where his dedication and grit left a lasting impression on those he worked alongside. Outside of work, he was rarely without a Mountain Dew or a Kickstart energy drink in hand, simple comforts that became part of his daily routine. Like many lives, his was not without complexities, yet through it all he carried a heart full of love and an unwavering will to show up for the people who mattered most. His legacy lives on not only in the paths he carved but, in the daughters he raised, the laughter he shared, and the countless lives he touched along the way.
Baron had a lifelong love affair with engines and open roads. Whether it was a classic car or a motorcycle, if it had wheels and could fly down a road, it had his heart. He found freedom and peace in the hum of horsepower, and it’s fitting, if not heartbreakingly so, that he left this world doing what set his soul on fire.
Those who know Baron will remember him as a rock, steady, loyal, and always ready to help. He had a unique ability to make people feel seen, heard, and cared for. He was a devoted son, a protective brother, a present and loving father, and a friend who could always be counted on.
Baron was proceeded in Death by his Grandparents, Ed and Kay Elam and Robert and Bertha Stroop, and his beautiful oldest daughter, Paige Stroop.
He is survived by his daughters Zoey, Aubrey, and Tessa; bonus children Kait and Keagan; parents Dave and Judi Stroop; brother Chad Stroop (Kristy Pontet-Stroop); his longtime partner Shayla Luhman, and nieces and nephews. He is also survived by countless extended family members, friends, and all those fortunate enough to ride beside him, laugh with him, and call him theirs.
A celebration of Baron’s life will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Moose Lodge in Colstrip, and there is a private burial and then community service in Belt on August 30, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Belt Pavilion. In honor of his love for the open road, the family invites friends to ride in tribute—two wheels or four, all are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Paige Stroop memorial with the Colstrip school or simply perform an act of kindness in Baron’s name. Share a joke, support a neighbor, show up for someone.
Because that’s what Baron would do.
Tami & Shane Paul says
Shane and I are so sorry to hear of Baron’s passing. He was a kind thoughtful man. Shane worked with Baron and always said what a talented dragline operator he was and how friendly he was towards all that he worked with. He will truly be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family
Bill Oberlander says
I’m so sorry to hear of Baron’s passing. I worked alongside Baron in 1999/2000 in Manila, UT and received the privledge of experiencing the spirit of life that was Baron. My heart goes out to Baron’s partner, daughters, parents, and all of his friends and family. It was an honor to have known him. God speed Baron! My prayers are with you.
Lorrie Vennes says
Dave, Judi and family
We are saddened to learn of Baron’s passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
May our Lord bring you peace and comfort.
Love,
Lorrie and Gail
Jeff and Kathy Pimley says
Our hearts are broken for the Stroop family. Love and prays to all. Baron was a great guy and will be missed by all
Mom says
Dearest Son, you will be so greatly missed . You will always be in our hearts and I’m out thoughts. Love and miss you so much.
Babe & Ron Carlson says
Judy, Dave & family…you’re in our thoughts & prayers. So sorry for your loss…thinking of you all….Babe & Ron
Tammy Lyn Wilhite says
I will miss him greatly. He was such a kind soul. He loved his girls and his family. He will be missed.
Crystine & Logan Bohnet says
We will miss Baron so much. We always knew when he was coming down our street, I will forever miss that sound, we will miss waving to him in our yard when he drove by, or taking Irish Car Bombs with him. Our condolences to the family, friends, all who knew him. Forever praying for you guys.
Love,
Logan & Crystine Bohnet
Tina Loch says
A beautiful tribute to a loving father son brother partner and friend. He may be gone but never forgotten. Hugs and prayers to you all.
Doyg & Debbie Skiles says
Zoey, Aubrey, Tessa, Shayla, Kait, Keagan and all those f Baron’s family,
Our hearts hurt along with yours at the loss of Baron. He was a wonderful man who loved his family and friends with his generous heart. He always was so positive and funny. He had the best hugs. He will be missed. Love, Hugs and Prayers
Cathy Burton says
Dave, Judy – there are no words that can express my sincere condolences for your loss of Baron. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the family. May God bring you comfort in the many beautiful memories that a life together brings. Love you all.
Cathy Croff Burton
Garnet Essex says
To all the family, I am so very sorry. The grief road has highs and lows sometimes you can get off on Mile marker 20 and for other like me it’s never ending. Love Aunt Garnet
Helen Fabian says
To Baron’s family, may his love and memories help you. God be with you. Helen Fabian
Sharon Wetsch says
Shayla and all the family
I was so sorry to hear of Baron’s passing. This obit is a beautiful tribute to the man who made your world complete. I know you are all hurting and your memories are yours now to remember him. Prayers for all of you. RIP Baron…
Bridgette Spang says
All of my love to each of Baron’s family members. Prayers for comfort to you all. I witnessed Baron’s love and devotion to all of his kids and am honored to have called him a friend.
Sandy and Wayne Francom says
Words cannot begin to express the sorrow we feel for Baron’s family. Know all of you are in our thoughts and prayers 🙏
Bob and Rosemary Cole says
To Barons family
So very sorry for your loss, he was a wonderful man and a great neighbor.truly will be missed.
Brandy Pixton says
Dave and Judy
So sorry to hear this….
Your family is in our prayers
The Pixton family in SLC, UT
(Brandy Stroop)
Dan Winney says
Dave, Judy and Family, so, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all, praying for you all, for peace and comfort. God Bless..
Peggy Hill says
Dave and Judy and family
So sorry for your loss sending prayers to you
My family was so blessed to have known Baron we enjoyed his friendship
Always smiling when you seen him always said hello
To lose a son is hurt that doesn’t end but I know you have good memories so cling to them
❤️🌈🙏
Judy Goodman Schroeder says
Dave, Judi and family, so so sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you and praying for comfort and love. May the Lord Bless and Keep You. Judy Goodman Schroeder and Trixie Pennington & family, Shawn Schroeder & family, Skip Schroeder & family and Holly Simanton & family
Joy Harpole says
Judy and Dave, Chad,Shayla, Zoey, Aubrey, Tessa, and more Family, Friends!
So sorry for your loss of Baron, it sounds like he was a very awesome man! I will pray for you all’s peace comfort. You will never forget the wonderful memories you have of him!
Jim and Joy Harpole
Jennifer Wynn says
Dave, Judy, and family, I am so sorry for the loss of Baron. He will be remembered warmly and my thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
HELEN JOHN D JOHN L NICOLE COLTON STEVE RIKKI WYATT COLTER DEVOSS says
Dave and Judi, We will miss our nephew! Our prayers are with you and your family. The DeVoss’
Tom Storm says
Dave, Judy , and the entire Stroop family—-I am so so sorry for your loss. I always really liked and respected the Stroop brothers. It was always fun to Talk to Baron and Chad whenever I had the good fortune to cross paths with them. My daughter‘s Tawnya and Shawna always loved the Stroop Brother’s and told me how caring and respectful they always were when they were around them!! What a great tribute to both boys. Again, my heart goes out to the entire family for your loss – – I will be praying for all the family and friends to get through this tough period of your lives. Tom Storm
John L DeVoss(Stormy) says
Just very, very saddened and shocked by this….way too young cuz….may you play in heaven with all our family….Grandpa Bob, Grandma Bertha, and especially your daughter Paige…..I’ll never forget our family Thanksgiving’s and hide and seek while we were younger and poker as we got older….love ya Baron and all the Stroop family!!!…you guys are all in my prayers!!!….I”ll see ya on the other side cuz…🫶🙏
Colin Kelly says
Stroop family, I am saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Baron. Unfortunately we never were able to toss a few snowballs after graduation, but if I know Baron…. He will be waiting for us next to the coal stoked stove with much too dry snow melting it down so we can make the perfect snowball for a quick snowball fight.
Stacia Stroop says
My first memory of Baron involved grasshoppers! My 2nd thought is how much he was loved by his entire family especially his parents. My thoughts are with Dave & Judi as their children keep them beaming with pride. Paige & Baron must have important tasks to tend to up there. If I can assist in any way please let me know. My heart aches for his daughters, brother, s.o. and his wonderful parents. If we could only turn back time!