Dennis LaVern "Denny" Stroup, 85, of Marion, Indiana, passed away on February 22, 2026 in Wabash, Indiana. He was the son of the late Bernard and Elizabeth (Wills) Stroup, born January 24, 1941, in Fairmount, Indiana. Denny lived a full life marked by dedication to his family, his career in education and industry, and his many passions.

Denny graduated from Fairmount High School in the Class of 1959 before pursuing higher education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, and later completed a master’s degree in education at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana. His commitment to learning and teaching shaped much of his professional life. Denny began his career as an industrial arts teacher at Noblesville High School and also taught at Fairmount High School, Madison Grant High School, and ended his teaching career at White’s. He was passionate about sharing his knowledge and skills with students during these formative years of his career. While teaching, Denny enjoyed coaching various sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track. In 1980, he transitioned into a supervisory role at Ball Foster Forbes, where he worked diligently until his retirement in 2000.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Denny was a man of many talents and interests. He was a skilled carpenter and loved creating various pieces of furniture and decor, which he would gift to family and friends. Denny’s father taught him to garden when he was a young child, and this was a passion Denny continued throughout his life. He particularly enjoyed starting plants from seedlings and nurturing those plants. He took pride in his garden and believed his garden should be large enough to share its bounty with family, friends, and neighbors. He also had a deep love for sports, particularly basketball. His ornery sense of humor and stubborn determination were hallmarks of his personality that endeared him to those who knew him. When Denny became a great-grandfather, he announced to anyone who would listen that he had always been a “great” grandfather.

Family was central to Denny's life. He was deeply involved in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, attending their activities and celebrating their achievements with enthusiasm. He is survived by his special friend Dee Earl; son Barry (Christa) Stroup; daughter Sherri Miller; grandchildren Rachel (Jason) Clark, Sarah (Rhett) Mast, Matt (Constance) Jasen, Toby (Raina) Miller, Kaysi (Mandi Olson) Miller, Chelsey (Corey) Young, Cory Zoda, and Halle (Anthony Schutlz) Stroup; as well as thirteen great-grandchildren.

Denny was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marjorie (Briles) Stroup; beloved son Darek “Duke” Stroup; brother Richard Stroup; and sisters Janice Rollins and Eva “Pinky” Leavitt. Denny will be remembered for the legacy he leaves behind, a life filled with love for family, dedication to work and community involvement, and an enduring spirit that touched all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who mourn his passing.

In accordance with Denny’s wishes, there will be no formal services. A celebration of life gathering will be planned for a later date.

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