Harvey "Harv" Wayne Stroud

Harvey “Harv” Wayne Stroud, age 73, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Northwest Health in La Porte, with his loving wife by his side, holding him in her arms.

Harv was born on August 24, 1951, in Mullins, South Carolina, to the late Robert Harvey and Eunice Hilda (Tompkins) Stroud. His father, an ironworker, often moved the family across the country for work, sometimes to such remote towns that Harv attended classic one-room schoolhouses. Harv graduated from Elston High School in Michigan City, Indiana in 1969.

Right after High School, Harv enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country in Okinawa, Japan. Following his military service, he pursued higher education at Purdue University, where he earned a Bachelor's of Science in Engineering.

Harv led a colorful and adventurous life, with a series of exciting careers. He was a skilled pool shark, a talented glass blower, and ultimately found his true calling as an Iron Worker. His work took him around the world, living up to his own description of himself as a self-proclaimed Nomad.

That journey changed course in 2005 when he met the love of his life, Janice Hoyle. From that moment on, he happily traded in his nomadic lifestyle to build a life with her. Harv and Janice were married on June 17, 2013.

After an injury ended his career as an Ironworker with Local Union 395, Harv rediscovered his love of travel—this time with Janice and their beloved dog Spuddy by his side. Together, they explored the country in their teardrop camper, creating lasting memories as devoted partners in both love and adventure. When they weren’t on the road, they enjoyed long walks together along the many scenic trails near their home in La Porte, Indiana.

Harv was a man of many passions. An avid reader, he loved to read Dick Francis and was seldom seen without a book. Known for his sharp appearance, he had a deep appreciation for fine clothing—particularly his fedoras, flat caps, cashmere jackets, custom made shoes, and his favorite pin-feather cowboy boots. He also loved to drive—especially his Porsche—strictly within the speed limit, “of course”.

Harv approached everything he did with a deep sense of precision and pride. He loved sharing his craftsmanship with others, once teaching his stepson Jared how to install drywall flawlessly, “of course”. When building a fence in his backyard, he meticulously measured each post to ensure perfect alignment and spacing—a true reflection of his belief that every job deserved to be done right.

Harv is survived by his devoted wife Janice Stroud; his step children, Janine C. Worachek of Lakeland, Florida, Jacob J. (Courtney) Roshanmanesh, MD of Madison, Mississippi, Jared A.(Jessica Lee, PHD) Roshanmanesh, C.P.A. of Fishers, Indiana; grandchildren, Aiden, Olivia, Elizabeth, Nolan, Winston, and Stella; siblings, Ralph Douglas Stroud, Larry Michael Stroud, Jeffery Craig Stroud, Mary Lenore Stroud, and Ronald Pifer; his in-laws, Robert (Barbara) Hoyle, Shirley (Rick) Novak; and his beloved dog, Heidi. Harv was preceded in death by his parents and his dog, Spuddy.

Visitation will be held from 10 AM to 11 AM on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.

A Service will be at 11 AM Tuesday in the Funeral Home following the visitation.

Burial will follow at Rolling Prairie Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the La Porte County Animal Shelter, Jane Bernard Adoption Center, 2855 IN-2, La Porte, Indiana 46350, or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, StJude.org

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Harv’s life or leave a message of comfort for his family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com

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