NATHAN STRAUB

1937 - 2025

Nathan Straub, a long-time resident of Lodi, passed away peacefully at his home on October 18, 2025. Nathan was born in Lodi on February 26, 1937, just months after his parents, Emanuel Adam Straub and Albina Straub moved to Lodi from their farm near Eureka, South Dakota. They were descendants of the German migration through Odessa, Russia to South Dakota. Nathan attended Lodi public schools, graduating from Lodi High in 1955. Nathan's father sold the family farm and moved to Lodi to enter the ministry of the Church of God (Seventh Day). Nathan was active in the church, expressing his faith in Jesus at an early age. Following high school, Nathan responded to a call into the ministry, following in the footsteps of his father and his older brother. Nathan moved to Los Angeles where he married Mary Cory in 1956. Together they moved to Stanberry, Missouri to attend Midwest Bible College. Nathan worked for the church's publishing house while attending school and learned to use the linotype.
Nathan pastored several Church of God (Seventh Day) congregations, moving in a southerly direction over his pastoral career, from Edmonton and Calgary churches in Canada to churches in Spokane, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and finally, Bloomington, California. Two daughters were born to Nathan and Mary, Leslie and Colleen. Nathan was an excellent Bible scholar. He enjoyed researching the scriptures and studying history. As a writer, he published articles for the Bible Advocate Press as well as other church publications. Nathan also served as director of the church's summer youth camp program at Silver Creek Falls, Oregon while serving the Portland congregation.
After the end of his marriage to Mary, Nathan moved back to his hometown of Lodi in 1974. Nathan was employed by Holz Rubber Company for twenty-eight years working as a builder in the expansion joint department. Later, Nathan worked for the City of Lodi's Water Conservation unit for nine and a half years. Nathan was friendly and enjoyed opportunities to make friends with those he met in the Lodi community.
Nathan met Nancy Malcolm in 1978 through the singles ministry of the Assemblies of God in Lodi. They struck up a friendship that resulted in their marriage in 1984. They were married forty-one years and lived one block from Nathan's boyhood home when he passed away. Nathan's quick wit and friendly smile will be missed.
Nathan was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Luella Straub Severson, Delora Straub Dais and Rayvin Straub.
He is survived by his wife Nancy and her children Samuel Malcolm (Angela), Cathleen Malcolm Vanni and Andrew Malcolm (Darlene). He is survived by his daughters Leslie Straub, Colleen Straub (Joe Fencl), and their mother Mary Cory Straub.
Nathan was a loving grandfather to John Shipley, Jackie Shipley Burnside, Kassidy Polk Good (Adam), Micah Malcolm (Katie), Ashley Malcolm, Courtney Malcolm, Jessica Malcolm Kemp (Matthew), Joey Vanni (Diana), and Gina Vanni Duran (Robert). His great-grandchildren are Rebecca and Connor Burnside, James Good, Harrison and Adelynn Malcolm, Elizabeth Malcolm, Cali and Amiliana Vanni, Vincenzo and Vittorio Vanni (and another Vanni is expected in January), Anaxuwi and Helek Duran.
A graveside service will be held at Cherokee Memorial on Monday, November 3rd, at 11:00 AM.