Kenneth Stroup

Kenneth Stroupe, 83, passed to heaven to direct a “Band of Angels” on September 25, 2011. He was at his home in Curtis, Nebraska at the time of his passing, and deeded his mortal remains to the humanitarian research division of Creighton and Nebraska University.

Ken was born in rural Dundy County, Nebraska on May 12, 1928. He graduated from Benkelman High School and served a tour of duty with the Army Band during World War Two.

Kenneth Stroupe worked in the insurance and musical fields in Denver and Omaha before settling down in Maywood, Nebraska in 1981. In Maywood, Ken made many friends teaching music and directing the band at Maywood High School. He also founded and ran the Omega Technical School, which trained piano technicians from all over the United States and foreign nations. After his retirement in 1991, Ken continued to remain an active member in the community.

Ken will be missed by his friends in the Maywood/Curtis area. In his final days, he expressed his heartfelt thanks to the many band students in Maywood who made him so happy to go to work during his time there, and to the citizens of Maywood and Curtis, who always reminded him where home really was.
Surviving are his daughter, Dr. Scotti Veale, her husband, Lt. Col. Thomas Veale, Ph.D. of Chantilly, Virginia, and their two sons. Following Ken’s hospitalization this past March, Scotti temporarily moved to Curtis to assist with Ken’s care. She is eternally grateful for the love and support of the Curtis community during her time here.

Also surviving are his stepdaughter, Darcie Kracht of Gretna, Nebraska and her two daughters; stepson David Iske of Omaha, Nebraska; and his siblings, Harold Stroupe and Leta Ortiz of Denver, Colorado.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jane Stroupe, to whom he was married from 1976 until her passing in 2008. Also preceding him in death were his his parents, John and Bonnie Stroupe, and son, Jeffery.

To sign the online guest book, please go to www.blasestrauser.com.