He was born in St. Thomas to August Strope and Anna M. Groner Strope. He was married on April 1, 1967 in Wardsville to Pauline Catherine Maasen who survives at the home. Other survivors include three sons, Richard L. Strope, Columbia; Jeffery W. Strope, Holts Summit; and Randy J. Strope, Jefferson City; two daughters Joyce Ann Strope, Jefferson City; and Jennifer Lynn Sharp, Jefferson City; six grandchildren; one brother, Donald Strope, Jefferson City; and two sisters, Claire Ann Huhn, Folk; and Mary Ellen Brunnert, Carthage. He was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church; St. Jude Assembly 1567, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus; St. Thomas Council 2149, Knights of Columbus; and the Over Fifty Club, Wardsville. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He attended school at St. Thomas.