Obituary of Paul Leroy Stroschein

Paul Leroy Stroschein, 89, of Boise, Idaho passed away Saturday, August 5, 2023, at home surrounded by family.

Paul was born in American Falls, Idaho on July 12, 1934, to Earl and Uva Stroschein. Paul was Earl and Uva’s sixth son and had one younger sister. With many siblings, Paul’s life growing up was full of mischief and mayhem. With all older brothers, there were many stories of pranks and jokes at the youngest brother’s expense. However, this groomed Paul to be quite the prankster too. We all know that Paul loved to laugh and joke around.

Paul was raised on the family farm in Aberdeen, Idaho. Being raised by a widowed mom from the age of nine, Paul and all his siblings knew hard work, determination, and perseverance. The farm included: raising cows and pigs, having chickens and horses, and growing crops. After completing high school, Paul attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. He graduated with a degree in Chemistry. Upon graduation he was drafted into the Army and served his time in Chicago doing research. Paul’s college days and his service time were some of his favorite years. He met several lifelong friends, traveled, and enjoyed professional sporting games.

Paul and Virginia were married on August 29, 1959, in Pocatello, Idaho, and would celebrate their 64^th anniversary this month. After honeymooning for a month in Canada, they established their first home in Burley, Idaho and Paul began working for General Foods. A move to Rupert, Idaho soon followed. Not wanting to move to the east coast as the company required, Paul began his career in insurance and real estate. Over the years Paul’s entrepreneurial spirit was sparked by many ventures including homesteading a section of farmland, obtaining many rental properties, running a fast-food drive-in, and raising cattle. There was never a dull moment.

Paul and Virginia had five children. Raising the family while being very active in the Catholic church in a small rural community provided a very pleasant lifestyle. Paul served on both the church and Catholic school boards and fulfilled many committee positions over the 60 years of living in Rupert. Paul’s most treasured membership was being part of the Knights of Columbus. He served as Grand Knight and Idaho State Deputy throughout the years. Paul devoted much time to taking the Eucharist to those who were homebound or hospitalized and he always sought the Last Rites for whomever he learned was at the end of their life and within their final hours.

When Paul wasn’t busy with the family, or church activities, another favorite past-time was sports and coaching. Paul enjoyed all sports and loved watching his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and family friends being on the fields, courts, tracks, ice, and in the pools. When Paul wasn’t officially the coach, he was definitely always a sideline coach. He was always up for going to games and meets whether they were local or included travel. He also enjoyed following the athletes as they advanced to collegiate level and beyond. It gave Paul great joy to see their accomplishments and if he happened to have coached them in younger years, he was especially proud.

To friends and family, Paul was affectionately known as “Podo”. Podo also loved to pass time by playing card games with his family and friends. When a group was sitting around, he would often suddenly say, “deal ‘em” which translated into let’s play cards. He especially loved to play a card game called “continental” where his strategies frequently resulted in winning to the absolute frustration of everyone else.

Paul is survived by his wife, Virginia; daughter-in-law, Kathy; daughters: Madonna (Jim) Taipale, Lisa Dean; son, Eric (Katie); nine grandchildren: Stephanie (Justin) Leraris, Kevin Stroschein, Clint Taipale, Marissa Hupp, Matthew Dean and Joseph, Terese, Anna and Kolbe Stroschein; and seven great grandchildren.

Paul’s parents; all siblings; son, Brian; daughter, Mary Ann; and granddaughter, Rachel preceded him in death. He is greatly missed by all the family and will always be remembered and honored at family gatherings in the future.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Boise, Idaho. A viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 10:30 am. A rosary service will immediately follow at 10:30 am. The funeral Mass will begin at 11:30 am. Immediately following Mass, Paul will receive veteran military honors. Lunch will be served at the completion of these services and the family encourages all who are able to attend to join.

Interment will be at Holy Apostles columbarium in Meridian, Idaho with a service at 10:00 am on Monday, August 28, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to a charity of your choice.