Dr. Jerree Stroh passed away on December 24, 2023. More than anything, Jerree celebrated being a husband, father, and grandfather. Together with his wife of 60 years, Mary Elizabeth (Ibbie) Stroh, Jerree created a beautiful family who adored him and that will always be his greatest legacy.

Born on August 12, 1941, to Albert and Lydia Stroh in Longmont, Jerree grew up farming and raising cattle on the family farm 3 miles south of Johnstown (now Pioneer Ridge) with his brother Jim. Jerree won state awards for high producing sugar beets. He also sold a prize steer that ultimately paid for his medical school. Jerree graduated top of his class at Johnstown High School (now Roosevelt High School), was captain of the football and wrestling teams, in addition to running track and starring in high school plays. After graduating high school in 1959, he went on to attend Colorado State University in Ft. Collins. He joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity in college and established many close and lifelong friendships with his fraternity brothers. After graduation Jerree received his medical degree from University of Colorado (he was a man divided).

Jerree married his junior high school sweetheart, Ibbie Farlow, also from Johnstown. The two met on a bus while traveling to a football game where Jerree was playing football and Ibbie was a cheerleader. The two married on June 9, 1963. Together they had two daughters, Stephanie Ismert (married to Stephen Ismert), and Leslie Hovde (married to John Hovde). Jerree and Ibbie are blessed with 5 grandchildren, Mason Ismert, Hadley Ismert, Scott Ismert, Morgan Hovde and Kylie Hovde.

After graduating from medical school Jerree served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War on the nuclear destroyer the USS Truxton. As a naval medical officer, Jerree tended to injured soldiers during the war and touched the lives of many soldiers and their families. He received a Bronze Star signaling his sacrifice, bravery, and honor for his service.

Following his service in the Navy and attending UCLA for a residency, Jerree settled in southern California where he practiced medicine and specialized in Pathology for 35 years. Shortly after retiring Jerree and Ibbie moved to Tabernash, Colorado, where they again established many lifelong friendships. Eventually Jerree and Ibbie moved to Columbine Valley, Colorado, to be near family.

In addition to fathering and grandfathering, his passions were skiing, golfing, fishing, and most of all riding his mule, Boone, in an annual five-day riding event with his friends in the Colorado Mule Riders. He and Ibbie also enjoyed exploring the world where travels led them to Europe, Asia, New Zealand, and many African safaris. On one of those safaris, he spent extended time in Kenya where he worked at a medical mission serving the needs of the Kenyan community.

Jerree had a magnetic personality and wonderful sense of humor. He was a friend to many and never met a person who remained a stranger for long. He was a true patriarch and will be truly missed by his beloved wife, Ibbie, daughters, Stephanie and Leslie, and their families as well as countless friends.

A Celebration of Life was held at the First Presbyterian Church of Littleton January 3 followed by a reception at Columbine Country Club. Donations in Jerree’s memory can be made to Craig Hospital Foundation. Tribute Wall at www.EllisFamilySer vices.com.