Ronald Paul “Babe” Sroda, 91

Ronald Paul “Babe” Sroda, of Stevens Point, passed away peacefully from stroke complications on July 5, 2026, at the age of 91, surrounded by the love of his family.

Babe leaves behind a family who cherished him beyond words, a community of lifelong teammates and friends, and countless memories shared on sports fields, in gymnasiums and at family get-togethers. Nothing brought Babe more joy than family gatherings and celebrations. He held these times close to his heart, always appreciative of the tasty food and entertaining games that kept everyone laughing.

Babe was born Jan. 14, 1935, to Frank P. and Tessie (Hintz) Sroda. Born and raised in Stevens Point, Babe attended P.J. Jacobs High School and graduated in 1954. He was especially proud to be part of the 1954 state championship basketball team, a memory he carried with him throughout his years.

In 1954, Babe volunteered for the Army alongside his brother, LeRoy, serving with the 8th Infantry, 61st Regiment, and spent his working career as a pipefitter at Consolidated Papers’ Stevens Point Division.

On Oct. 15, 1966, he married Dorothy Turzenski, and together they raised a family that became a source of pride and joy. Babe loved his family unconditionally, and they knew it—not just from his words, but from his presence in the everyday lives of his children and grandchildren.

Sports were the thread that ran through Babe’s whole life. When his own playing days wound down, he simply changed positions: coaching his sons’ teams, cheering from the bleachers and making it to every sporting event of his children and grandchildren that he possibly could.

Babe is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his children, Lauri Sroda (Mark Lesinski) and their daughters, MaKynna Lesinski and Jensynn (Joe) Strigel, and his first great-grandbaby, Stella Marie Strigel; Scott and Suzanne Sroda and their children, Reid, Kaitlyn and Nicholas; and Brian and Betty Sroda and their children, Jacob, Zackary, Trevor and Alexander.

Babe’s final, lasting gift to the world was his unique ability to make others feel deeply valued, loved and appreciated. Somewhere this week, a ballgame will be played without Babe Sroda watching from the sidelines. It won’t be quite the same, but everyone who knew him—family, teammates and the generations of kids he coached and cheered on—will carry a little of him onto the field, every time.

A private family gathering will be held to honor Babe’s life.