Dr. LeRoy Strohman

Dr. LeRoy Strohman was born on November 4, 1934, to Wilford and Olive (Fuhrmeister) Strohman. He attended West Waterloo High School, where he wrestled for Hall of Fame coach Bob Siddens.

After high school, LeRoy attended the University of Iowa. He entered dental school in 1954 after only two years of undergraduate education. He worked summers at Rath Packing Plant and the Rock Island Railroad to pay for dental school. One midterm, he literally ran out of money, but the local Rotary Club in Waterloo gave him a scholarship so he could finish dental school. LeRoy remained a committed Rotarian, Paul Harris Fellow and local past-president, never forgetting the kindness shown to him by the Waterloo Rotary Club.

It was while serving on the university’s student senate that LeRoy met the love of his life, Lois (Wilson). They were united in marriage on June 9, 1957, in Clarion. Together they raised three boys (wrestlers): Bill, John, and Dave. It was determined early on– for the sake of the furniture– that they needed to put a wrestling mat in the basement, and the rest is history. For many years, LeRoy officiated high school wrestling and football.

In 1983, when all three boys were attending the University of Iowa, LeRoy was awarded Dad of the Year during a homecoming game at Kinnick Stadium.

LeRoy excelled in his chosen profession as very few dentists in this state have. Early in his career, he conducted research on the first white filling material with 3M Corporation, and as a result of that research, he lectured extensively. He helped form Delta Dental Insurance Company in Iowa and served for many years on it’s board. In 1981, he was elected to serve as president of the Iowa Dental Association. In 1997, he was selected by Governor Branstad to serve on the Board of Dental Examiners, overseeing dental care provided to the citizens of Iowa. LeRoy served as chairman of that board from 2001 to 2003. In 2011, Governor Branstad selected him to serve on the Nursing Board. LeRoy was a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. In 2004, he received the Iowa Dental Association’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award. In 2008, the Pierre Fauchard Academy named him Dentist of the Year. In 2013, he received the Alumnus of the Year Award from the UI College of Dentistry.

LeRoy was well known as an avid cyclist. He rode RAGBRAI 24 times and continued to ride daily, either outside or on a trainer, until just weeks ago.

In the early 1970s, after the loss of his mother and father-in-law, he and Lois were determined to understand the real purpose of life. After much study, they both put their trust in Jesus Christ as their only hope and salvation. In 1972, they sponsored a Billy Graham movie (Time to Run) at the Algona Theater. Many people from our community made decisions to follow Christ as a result of that movie.

Just prior to his death, LeRoy expressed his anticipation of being with his Savior. We have missed Mom for 16 years, and we will now be missing them both… for a time.

LeRoy passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center, at age of 90.

LeRoy is survived by his sons, Dr. William Strohman (Dara) of Algona and John Strohman (Sarah) of Pierre, SD; four grandchildren: Hannah (Dr. Drew) Dickson of Omaha, NE; Elizabeth (Mike) Gibson of Cary, NC; Abigail (Dr. Zachary) McCraw of Randleman, NC; and Dr. Joshua (Cortney) Strohman of Algona. Great-grandchildren include Lincoln and Jude.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, and his son, David.

Condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.