Darwin David Strobel, 68, Fallon, died in Billings Sept. 12, 2012 following a courageous nine-year struggle with lymphoma and most recently mylodysplastic syndrome, a rare form of leukemia.
He was born in Terry, MT, Oct. 28, 1943, the son of Ludwig and Emma (Opp) Strobel. He grew up on the family place south of Fallon, attending Fallon Grade School and graduating from Terry High School with the Class of 1962. He attended Northern Montana College, Havre, taking classes helpful in the farm/ranch operation. He and Darlene L. Praast, Greenough, Montana were married August 8, 1970 at First Presbyterian Church, Missoula. They farmed and ranched on the home place south of Fallon, raising winter wheat, small grains and red Angus cattle. He had a knack for repairing machinery and figuring out how to make things work. He was the proud father of daughter Chantelle Noreen and son Raleigh Deane. Special in his life were grandchildren Alyssa and Zackary Thomas and Macy and Peyton Strobel.
A Terry Terrier fan, he enjoyed driving sports bus trips over 47 years. Darwin and Darlene drove the Cabin Creek route bus for Terry Schools 24 years. They shared editing The Terry Tribune nine years where he took photographs and was sports editor, retiring from that job September 2007. He served on several boards at Community Church, presently as a Deacon. Darwin served as a director on Tongue River Electric Coop 37 years and numerous years on the ASCS county committee. Darwin and Darlene enjoyed traveling, including trips to Korea, Germany, Panama, Mexico and England, plus many places in the US, including extended stays in Arizona the past three winters. They had been on cruises to Alaska, the Bahamas and Mexican Riviera. Best were trips to visit family in Hobson and Denver/Kansas City. Other good times were at an LA Dodgers game, Broncos games and Rockies playoff games.
Loving survivors include his wife, Darlene, Fallon; daughter, Chantelle and Dan Thomas, Hobson; son, Raleigh and Anna Strobel, Kansas City, MO; four grandchildren; four sisters, Verna and Ron Cole, Highlands Ranch, CO, Virginia Stickel, Terry, Vivian and Derald Reno, Sidney, Vera and Lyle Sackman, Fallon; one brother, Kenny and Karen Strobel, Miles City. He is also survived by nine nieces and three nephews. He was preceded in death by granddaughter, Samantha Strobel; sister, Violet and Reiny Straub; brother-in-law Reuben Stickel; and, nephew David Straub.
A Prayer service will be held on Friday, September 14, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Funeral services will be Saturday, September 15, 2012, 4:00 p.m., at Terry Community Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in the Prairie County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday September 14, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Friday September 14, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
4:00 p.m.
Saturday September 15, 2012
Community Presbyterian Church
Terry, Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday September 14, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Friday September 14, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
4:00 p.m.
Saturday September 15, 2012
Community Presbyterian Church
Terry, Montana 59349
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Kevin and Toni Kalfell says
Darlene and family—-I am so very sorry for your loss but finally Darwin suffers no more. He was a great person. Hold all the wonderful memories close to you heart. Our thoughts, love and prayers.
Becky Tipton says
Strobel Family.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. Cherish all your memories and hold them close they will help get you through the tough times ahead.
Becky Tipton
Tom and Darlene Hess says
So sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
DeLynn and Angie Meidinger says
Uncle Darwin’s family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Uncle Darwin is in a much better place and not suffering any more. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Arlen and Arlen Miller says
Darlene and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We know Darwin is in Gods loving arms and no more suffering. Keep close to all the good memories. Love and Prayers
Diane (Hanson) Joslyn says
Strobel Family: Sorry to hear about Darwin, he was a classmate of mine and running into him over the years was always a pleasure. I will miss that, always a smile on his face. It is hard to lose a husband all I can say is over time it does get better. My prayers are with you and your family
Norita Fried Wiman says
As a bus driver from Plevna, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you in your loss. I had alot of nice visits with Darwin over the years. May he rest in peace.
Jamie Hess says
Trent and I are thinking of you and your family during your loss. When I first started with Trent and going to the Terry schools for programs we always saw Darwin smiling. And even the last year we saw them at the Hobson School program in support of their grand kids. What a great guy he was and will be missed by many but his smiling face will be remembered by all!
Jaimie Goff says
It saddens me to hear of Darwin’s death. I have great memories of him driving the bus and being the Terrier fan that he was while I was in school. He was one of the great ones and he will truly be missed. Rest In Peace Darwin.
Kathy and Mel Sampson says
Darlene, Chantelle, Raleigh and families,
We were so sorry to hear about Darwin. He was such a great person. It’s so hard to lose a loved one. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this very difficult time. RIP Darwin
Sheila (Schroeber) McCalmont says
Dear Mrs. Strobel,
Please know I am praying for you and your family today. I, too, remember the times Darwin drove the school bus subbing on our route or driving for various school trips. May you feel the arms of Jesus holding you ever so closely during this difficult time.
Dale Diede says
Strobel Family-
Please know you are in my prayers at this time of sorrow. Darwin was a wonderful man and one I always enjoyed seeing and visiting with on my trips to Terry. He always had a kind word and a smile to match-even if he did not agree with the way the ball game was going!! Godspeed my friend.
stacy ingram says
We will always think of Darwin and his connection to sports. Out watching the game seemed to make him so happy. He was a special man and we are so sorry you have lost him so early. He will be remembered fondly and was loved by so many. He had a courageous fight as you mention. Peace be with the family through this time.
Lon and Vicki Reukauf says
Darlene and Family, We are so very saddened to learn of Darwin’s passing, but know he is now in our Lord’s hands. He graciously served our community and church in so many capacities over the years. Forty-seven years of safely delivering students to and from sporting activities and school is quite a blessing to our youth and so many families. He will truly be missed by all. We are praying for peace and comfort for his much loved family.
Aletta & Randy Shannon says
Darlene and family,
You’re in our thoughts and prayers. Darwin always had a smile on his face and a joy to visit with. He will be missed. May your special memories help ease your pain. Thinking of you~ Sincere Sympathy
Suzie Reuther says
Darlene and Family:
My prayers and thought go out to you in this difficult time. Darwin was a wonderful person and to this we have many great memories to remember him. I remeber baysitting for you guys and Darwin driving school bus and his big smile at 7:00 in the morning getting on the school bus.
Thoughts and Prayers to you
Suzie Reuther
Gary and Cathy Kalmback says
Darlene and Family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Cherish the memories!
Teresa Jenny says
Strobel Family,
I am so saddened to hear the news about Darwin. He was a good egg! We have lost a good man. Tell his story and keep the memories alive.
Don and Penny Zimmerman says
Darlene, Chantelle, Raleigh and family, We were so saddened to hear about Darwin’s recent illness and passing. We loved running into him and Darlene in the grocery store and catching up. He was always smiling and had a twinkle in his eye. Sometimes he just made you laugh looking at his expressions. What a sweetheart….he will be missed by many but mostly by all of you. Love and hugs to you. Don and Penny
Adam Hill, Alana Long, Sherilyn Stasch says
Dear Friends, We were so saddened to hear of Darwin’s passing. Our many thoughts and prayers are with you. We know the wonderful memories you have shared through the years will help bring sunshine back to your cloudy days. Please know that many many people loved Darwin and know that he is now a shinning star in the heavens. Sherilyn
Vonnie Shannon says
With our sympathy.
Norman & Vonnie
Mike Davis says
Strobel family so sorry to hear of your loss.
Heather Carter says
Darlene and Family,
He goes free of the earth.
The sun of his last day sets
clear in the sweetness of his liberty.
The earth recovers from his dying,
the hallow of his life remaining
in all his death leaves.
Radiances know him. Grown lighter
than breath, he is set free
in our remembering. Grown brighter
than vision, he goes dark
into the life of the hill
that holds his peace.
He’s hidden among all that is,
and cannot be lost.
Harry Erdman Perry
DeAnna Herbst says
Darlene and family,
I am saddened to hear of Darwin’s passing…He fought the good fight!! Cancer is an unforgiving, relentless, hungry disease…I hate it!! It has taken way too many good people away….far too soon!! I am comforted in the fact that our Lord and Savior is waiting with arms wide open for him!! May the days ahead for you be blessed with peace and grace and may your burden of sorrow be carried by Jesus as we have to continue our journey…that has been a hard lesson for me…but I’m doing it!! Love to you all
Dave and Shirley Haidle says
Darlene and family,
You have been such great humble and caring neighbors over the years. We can’t count how many times Darwin has gone beyond the call of duty to help in so many situations, We have fond memories of the far-in-between visits over the years. He will be sorely missed. We pray that God’s loving arms of love will comfort you during these difficult days.
Troy & JoDee Hess and family says
Darlene and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are will you all. Troy will always remember Darwin driving the route bus and getting silage from us in the winter. He always had a smile on his face and was the best Terriers fan. We will miss him. He is no longer suffering and is in a better place. May God be with you all in this difficult time and may your memories be a comfort to you.
Holly Anderson Kassner says
Strobel Family,
I’m sad to hear about Darwin. He will be missed by so many! With deepest sympathy <3
Jill (Martin) Behnke says
My heart goes out to the Darwin’s family. God is with you.
Wayne Wetherelt Jr. says
Darlene & family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the loss of Darwin. As a former employee at TRECO I got to know Darwin and he was a good man. May your memories give you comfort and peace. Our sympathies to all of you. Wayne & Serena
Terry, Synneva, and Katrina Meldahl says
Darwin was truly a blessing to many! May God richly bless all of you with wonderful memories and fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.
With love and prayers,
Terry, Synneva and Katrina
Barb Hinnaland says
Darlene, Chantelle, Raleigh and family,
I am so saddened to hear of your loss. Darwin was such an incredibly nice man. He will be remembered and missed by so many. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Barb Hinnaland
Alice Schroeber, Mark and Joy Yoakam says
Darlene and family,
We are thinking of you during this time and send our condolences.
Alice Schroeber, Joy and Mark Yoakam
Vernon & Janice Kaul says
Darlene & family,
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Chris and Jan Michal says
Darlene and Family, We are very sorry to hear about Darwin. We are very thankful he is in a better place now. I enjoyed working with him on the TRECO Board back in the eighties. God never made a more decent honest man. May He bless you in your time of need.
Danielle says
The Strobel Family,
I am so deeply sorry to learn of the loss of Darwin. Darwin always had a smile that lit up any room he was in. He, as well as the entire family will forever be in our hearts on ICC. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Deepest Sympathy,
Danielle Piseno
John and Lorraine Watson says
Darlene…We were sad to hear of the passing of Darwin. He will be remembered as a good and generous man. Your and your children are in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Lorraine Watson
Sandie (Waldo) Viall says
Darlene Kenny and the rest of the Strobel family; I was so saddened to hear of Darwin’s passing. He was a happy part of my childhood.During harvest time he would drive truck for my dad. My brother Scott snd I loved to ride with Darwin.He was so much fun to be around! He would tease us and always seemed to enjoy answering our questions.As the years went by I saw Darwin less frwuently but whenever and wherever; Darwin always made it a point tospend some time visiting. He was such a good person. I will miss his presence in this world and will hold his memoty fonfly in my heart.
Sandie (Waldo) Viall says
Darlene Kenny and the rest of the Strobel family; I was so saddened to hear of Darwin’s passing. He was a happy part of my childhood.During harvest time he would drive truck for my dad. My brother Scott snd I loved to ride with Darwin.He was so much fun to be around! He would tease us and always seemed to enjoy answering our questions.As the years went by I saw Darwin less frequently but whenever and wherever; Darwin always made it a point to spend some time visiting. He was such a good person. I will miss his presence in this world and will hold his memory in my heart.