Walter Stroot

Walter F. Stroot, 94, of Euclid, MN, died peacefully Wednesday afternoon, February 8, 2012, in the Minnesota Veterans Home at Fergus Falls, MN. Walter was born on his parents' farm in Belgium Township of Polk County, near Euclid, MN, on October 14, 1917. He was one of thirteen children of the union of Frank and Emma (Klos) Stroot. Walter was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Euclid, and was baptized and confirmed there. He attended the Belgium School and then began working with his father on the farm. He entered the U.S. Army on November 23, 1940 and during WWII served in the Pacific Theater of Operations at New Guinea and Luzon. For his service to his country Walter earned the Service Stripe, 3 Service Bars, the American Defense Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with 3 bronze stars, the American Theater Ribbon, the Philippine Theater Ribbon, and the WWII Victory Medal. He decided to make the Army his career and served until his honorable discharge on February 28, 1961. Walter returned home and in 1962 began employment as a cook with Food Services at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. At the same time he also farmed in Belgium Township from 1967 until the late 1970's. In 1981 he retired from UND and later worked as a self-employed electrician in the Euclid area for a few years. In addition to his membership in St. Mary's parish, Walter also was a member of the Euclid American Legion Post and the Crookston VFW Post. He was an avid Minnesota Twins fan and enjoyed watching them on TV; however if they weren't winning he could be seen out mowing his grass (at times he was out there a lot.) Late in the day Walter could often be found sitting outside with the dogs and cats from the farm, all of them enjoying the beautiful evening. He looked forward to playing cards with family and friends, and visiting and sharing stories about farming. Walter was a rather quiet man, and an extremely hard worker. Those who knew him best will always remember his favorite saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." May God bless Walter's memory. Family members include 2 brothers: Bernard of Crookston, MN and Robert of St. Michael, MN; 2 sisters: Mary Pahlen of Crookston and Clarice Ellingson of St. Michael; 3 sisters-in-law, Elsie Stroot and Wanda Stroot of Crookston, and Gladys Stroot of Coon Rapids, MN; as well as several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Walter was preceded in death by his parents; 6 brothers: infant-brother, David, and Leo, William, Joseph, Jerome, and Francis; and 2 sisters: Irene Fitzsimmons and Dorothy Westphal. A Memorial Mass for Walter Stroot will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 13, 2012, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Euclid, MN with The Rev. Emmanuel Sylvester, presiding. A time of family greeting will be for one hour prior to the Mass. Military Honors will be provided by the Euclid American Legion Post. Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Crookston in the spring. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in Walter's memory to the American Cancer Society. The Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home of Crookston is assisting with funeral arrangements. (Online registry at www.stenshoelhouske.com)

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

---

Previous Events

Service
Monday, February 13, 2012

Cemetery Details

Location