Kind, encouraging, thoughtful, a deep thinker, a great listener—these are all recurring words in tributes to pastor, chaplain, and licensed psychotherapist Bill Stroo, who died June 22 at age 83.
After graduation from Calvin Theological Seminary and ordination in 1969, Bill served Appalachian Regional Hospital in Middlesboro, Ky., for a year before pastoring Rolling Acres Christian Reformed Church in Mason City, Iowa, and then Trinity CRC in Maryland Heights, Mo. In 1988, Bill left parish ministry and returned to school, earning a doctor of ministry degree with an emphasis in pastoral counseling. From then on, he counseled individuals and families in many different settings in South Bend, Ind.; Chicago, Ill.; and the Grand Rapids, Mich., area. He also spent many years serving churches supported by CRC’s Home Missions (now part of Resonate Global Mission). Bill retired in 2013.
Music was one of Bill's lifelong passions. Over the years, he played alto saxophone with the Holland American Legion Band, the Zeeland Community Band, and the Hope College Band; and participated in the annual Christmas Carol Sing-Along at Grand Rapids’ LaGrave Avenue CRC.
Bill loved to travel and explored many parts of the world, continuing his adventures even after his wife’s death in 2016. He loved being of service to his children and grandchildren, through his work with the American Red Cross, to his community at Waterford Place, and in the many friendships he cultivated throughout the years.
Predeceased by Marilyn, his wife of almost 53 years, Bill is survived by three daughters and their spouses; eight grandchildren and their spouses; and four great-grandchildren.