Obituaries

Rev. Allan Fred Strohschein

Obituary

Allan Fred Strohschein was the long-awaited firstborn child of Fred and Della (nee Krause) Strohschein. He arrived September 21, 1928. He and his sister Audrey, born 6 years later, were nurtured with love, on the family farm, near Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada.

 

The farm presented work opportunities for Allan as he assisted his parents in milking cows, filling the root cellar with potatoes, and countless other chores. The long winters were brightened with an abundance of family get-togethers. Allan had numerous aunts and uncles and 50 first cousins, most living within a 10-mile radius of Wetaskiwin, and many attending the same German-speaking country church.

 

In Allan’s words, “from my earliest youth I can only recall faithful and regular attendance at church and Sunday School, accompanied by my parents. But by God’s standards all of this, though perfectly good, did not merit salvation or favor in His sight.” Allan realized he needed a Savior. One Sunday after hearing the gospel message he accepted the invitation to fully trust Jesus for his salvation. Later he reflected, “I am thankful for the joy and peace which came as a result of my decision.” At the age of 10 he followed the Lord in baptism.

Often a pony provided Allan’s transportation to the one-room Pleasant Prairie schoolhouse, which accommodated grades 1-9. He excelled in school and was an avid reader. Later, boarding with his grandparents in town gave him the opportunity to attend High School.

 

Love for the Bible led to attending Berean Bible College in Calgary. Upon graduating from Berean he returned to the family farm, now a prospering operation. Along with farming he found ways to serve in his church and in Christian Youth organizations. Times of uncertainty regarding his future preceded a growing conviction that God was leading him to serve in a special way.

 

During this time Allan met Bernice Stober, who had come from Manitoba to teach at a nearby Indian reservation. Their attraction to each other was immediate. As they got to know each other, it became clear that their values and life purposes were in harmony. They married in 1954 and moved to Edmonton, where Bernice taught school while Allan earned a B.A. degree at the University of Alberta and began seminary at St. Stephen’s College.

 

Their daughter Sandra was born in 1957. At this point Allan and Bernice moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where Allan completed his B.D. degree at North American Baptist Seminary. His education was greatly enhanced by a summer serving at a church in Lodi, California, where he was mentored by a wise pastor.

 

After graduating, Allan was ordained on June 17, 1959, and he and Bernice began serving a church in New Leipzig, North Dakota. Their son Don was born in 1961. Subsequently they served churches in Bismarck, North Dakota; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Renton, Washington; Beaverton, Oregon; and Colfax, Washington.

 

Allan’s ministry years were characterized by his faithful Bible teaching and preaching, his humble and gentle spirit; his peacemaking ability, and his willingness to come alongside people, bringing encouragement and help in their time of need. Lots of hours were spent visiting in homes and hospitals, often accompanied by Bernice. Many lifelong friendships were formed.

 

Highlights with family included yearly summer road trips - often to visit relatives in Alberta and British Columbia. Two visits to the Holy Land were definitely “trips of a lifetime”.

 

As Allan approached retirement, he wrote down his main goals. One of these involved pastoring churches on an interim basis. A fruitful time of ministry followed as Allan and Bernice served churches in Washington, British Columbia, and North Dakota.

 

He and Bernice also used these years to invest greatly in their children and grandchildren. They delighted in taking their grandchildren on outings, whether it was to pick blueberries, visit the fair, or just go for a walk in the neighborhood. The yearly trips to the Cannon Beach Conference Center sponsored by Allan and Bernice are part of their legacy treasured by all in the family.

 

Each morning they read the Bible and prayed together with a list of family and friends in mind for each day.

 

Allan was totally devoted to Bernice. As she struggled with cancer in her final years, he did everything he possibly could to care for her. Allan was able to live in his own home until the end of his life, and was grateful to enjoy a final Thanksgiving and Christmas surrounded by his family.

 

To his final days, Allan’s constant theme was gratitude He often recounted specific ways that God had met his needs He concluded every call or visit with prayer from his heart, seemingly unencumbered by dementia or decline.

 

Allan was called to his heavenly home on January 6, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents and by Bernice, his wife of 68 years.

He is survived by his sister Audrey Littman, his daughter Sandra (Will) Newcomb, and his son Don (Julie) Strohschein, grandchildren Bethany (Joe) Goetz, Kaitlin Groves, Nathan (Megan) Strohschein, David (Kaitie) Newcomb, Paul (Debra) Newcomb, Amy (Micah) Armbrust, and great-grandchildren Marielle, Robin, Joel, Audrey, Addison, Ian, Claire, Wesley, Clarissa, Shiloh, and Nora.