Donald “Donnie” James Stroop, 65, passed away January 22nd 2015 at his home after an extended illness. A Memorial will be held in his honor in the Rose Room Chapel at Croxford Funeral Home on Saturday, January 31st at 11:00 AM. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Highland Cemetery.

Donnie graduated from Great Falls High School in 1968. The best memories of those years were participating in his sports. In wrestling he held several records and in football he not only won a Golden Helmet Award but was also chosen to play in the Shrine Football game. He completed his senior year by receiving a full scholarship to the University of Montana Western in Dillon. The draft and the Vietnam War interrupted those dreams. Donnie served in the Army 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) in Vietnam, coming home a decorated soldier.

Donnie was the fourth child of six born to his parents Harley and Rosalee Stroop who preceded him in death. Through Donnie’s life many things were hard on him but family gatherings, fishing trips, and spending time with those he loved, including his mother-in-law Carlene Clancy and his boisterous uncles who have now too, all passed, were highlights in his life. With his sparkling big brown eyes and handsome dimples, Donnie lit up the room when he smiled. He was a lifelong animal lover and especially enjoyed the company of his best friend, Shep and cats Leo and Kitty.

In 2003, Donnie married Jackie Schank and became not only a caring husband but a stepfather to daughter Shilo and sons Jacob, Danny, Augustus, Evan, and Nicholas. Along with his wife and step children, Donnie is survived by his sisters, Joyce Sponheim, Carol Thurston, Bonnie (Don) Johnson, Pamela Stroop; brother, Gary Stroop; aunts, Judy and Ruth Stroop; eight nieces and nephews and many loving cousins and friends.

Till Memory fades and life departs, he will live forever in our hearts.

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