Dale Ralston Stroud , 76, of Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of family and friends at his home at 8:43 p.m., Wednesday, February 14, 2024.

Born on April 29, 1947, in South Connellsville, Pennsylvania, he was a son of the late Judson Dale Stroud and Geneva (Urbach) Stroud. Growing up in Pennsylvania, he graduated from Uniontown High School in 1965.

On July 30, 1977, he married Jill Marie Stevenson. They made their home in Fort Wayne. In 1986, they moved to Dunfee and, in 2000, to Columbia City.

For over 25 years, Dale was the warehouse manager for Momper Insulation, Fort Wayne.

An avid outdoorsman, he liked to fish and hunt, often making a hunting trip back to his grandparent's property in Somerset Pennsylvania. He enjoyed woodworking building various furniture pieces and woodcrafts. When he became physically unable to enjoy the outdoors, he became content with playing video games at home and spending time with family.

Throughout the years, he has attended St. John's Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, and, more recently, New Hope Wesleyan Church in Columbia City.

Surviving is his wife of 46 years, Jill; two sons, Dale R. (Sarah) Stroud of Roanoke and Scott A. (Maricela) Stroud of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Dale Stroud III, Brett (Kobe) Beavers, Rick Stroud, and Lilly Stroud; a great-grandchild Kooper Beavers; and a sister, Kris (Nick) Paitaris of Bristol, CT.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a brother, John Stroud.

The funeral service is at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Visitation is from 10:30 a.m. until the service Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Dale's honor are to WBCL Christian Radio or the American Heart Association.