OZARK…John Durwood Stroh, 79, a resident of both Ozark, Alabama and Bowdon, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2026, in Ozark.
John was born on July 23, 1946, in Bowdon, North Dakota. He graduated from Bowdon High School with the Class of 1964 and was proud of his small-town roots. In 1966, John was drafted into the United States Army and served his country during the Vietnam War until 1968. During his military service, he was wounded in combat and was awarded the Purple Heart for his courage and sacrifice.
Following his honorable discharge, John moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he worked a variety of jobs as he built his life. Later, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase a Matco Tools distributorship in Minnesota, where he enjoyed serving his customers and building lasting relationships. He also owned and operated his own trucking company, Stroh Trucking.
John found great joy in riding his motorcycle, spending time on the open road, and visiting with friends. He appreciated life’s simple pleasures and valued the friendships he made throughout the years. He enjoyed being Santa Clause to his great-nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Heinrich “Hank” and Leola Werner Stroh; his sisters, Iris Neumiller and Pamela Frueh; his brother, Jerome Stroh, and two nephews.
He is survived by his nephews, Glen Neumiller, Hugh Neumiller, both of South Dakota Darin Frueh and his son Sheldon, both of North Dakota.
In addition to his nephews and other relatives, his extended family includes, Millie Sanders Drum, Dr. Harry Robinson and his wife Patricia Sanders Robinson, all of Ozark, Natasha Hollenbeck, Wisconsin, Larissa Drum, Minnesota, Aiden Magel, Minnesota, Ava and Alexis Hollenbeck, both of Wisconsin, Nolan and Eleanor Drum Olson, James Swanson, Richard Swanson, James Swanson Jr. (Karen), Gabriel Swanson (Maddie), Tyler Swanson (Jess), and Larry Thurston, all of Minnesota.
John will be remembered for his service to his country, his resilience in the face of life’s challenges, his independent spirit, and the kindness he shared with those who knew him.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
