Boyd F. Stroup

September 17, 1930 - December 27, 2016

Boyd Stroup was born September 17, 1930 in the Presbyterian parsonage in Benkelman, Ne. he passed away in the Dundy County Hospital on December 27, 2016. His parents were Ralph Edwin Stroup and Ruth Helena (Foster) Stroup. Boyd attended country school in rural Dundy County through the 8th grade then graduated from Benkelman High School in 1948. Boyd was baptized by his maternal grandfather, Pastor John Calvin Foster, November 6, 1932 and at a young age was confirmed in the Presbyterian Church. On March 25, 1956 he was confirmed into the Zion Lutheran Church. On April 10, 1955 Boyd married Betty Margaret Keller from St. Francis, Kansas. They were married in St. Francis, Kansas at the Trinity Lutheran Church. The first two years of their married life they lived in Benkelman, then moved to the family farm north of town where Boyd lived for the next 60 years. In May of 2016, Boyd moved into the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, where he resided until his passing. Boyd was drafted into the army during the Korean conflict in 1952 and served through 1954. His basic training was at Ft. Leonard-Wood, MO. Boyd achieved the rank of Corporal and was stationed at Stuttgart, Germany where he was an electrician with C-354 construction battalion. Boyd also had the good fortune of being selected into the motor pool, and his duties were to drive the officers all over Europe. Boyd was an active member of his community and church. He served on the Four Circle Coop board, Dundy County FHA board and Dundy County Rural Fire board. He was a member of the church council and taught Sunday School at the Zion Lutheran Church. Boyd was the consummate farmer/rancher. He had a passion for the land and livestock that lasted into his final hours. His farming experience ranged from horse drawn implements to the advent of precision agriculture. His interest in livestock and issues such as how genetics and diets could change production always amazed him. Boyd always read articles related to these subjects and would always question his sons as to whether they had read a particular article. Also, Boyd was a nutrition consultant for Moorman's Manufacturing for 31 years. Boyd was an avid reader, particularly history and family heritage. He was always quick to pass along any information to his children and grandchildren. He loved Husker sports and watched as often as available. As important as the land and livestock were to him, his true passion was his grandchildren. Each grandchild had their own corner post in a fence somewhere that they helped set. Boyd always marveled how fortunate he and Betty were to have so many of the grandkids so close. Boyd's favorite Bible verse, was Joshua 24:15b," but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord." Boyd would gather daily devotion books and would mail to his grandchildren that were living in other places. He was always ready to be that witness for Christ and offer words of encouragement to all. Boyd was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his parents Ruth and Ralph and his brother Wayne. Family left to mourn his passing include; daughter Rhonda Kaiser, husband Ray and daughter Corrie of Fort. Collins, CO; son Steven, wife Julie, their four sons, Zachariah, fiance' Lindsey Pickering of Lincoln, NE his children Lennon and Marley; Jeremiah, (J.C.) his wife Ashley of Great Bend, KS., their children Tavon, Jaya, Breck and Colin; Nathaniel his wife Karlie of Basehor, KS., their children Ayla and Ayden; and Jordan of Benkelman. Stan, wife Janice, their four children Josiah; Katie (Stroup) James, husband Jordan; Hannah and Faith. Sister-in-law Lela (Keller) Watts of Sacramento, CA. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. (MT), Monday morning, January 2, 2017 at the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman with Pastor Doug Hjelmstad officiating. Interment will follow at the Benkelman Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon, Januay 1, 2017 from 2:00-6:00 P.M. (MT) at the Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman. A memorial has been established to the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman. Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com BENKELMAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL IS ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS