Hans Strasser

Hans Strasser

Rochester - April 4, 2019. Loving husband and father, passed into God's peace at age 88. He was born in Königsberg, Germany, the eldest of three sons of Erich and Elizabeth Strasser.

Hans' childhood was in Tanzania, where his father grew sisal and coffee. After the second World War broke out, Hans was interned in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) with his mother and brothers. During the four years in Zimbabwe, Hans' father remained interned in South Africa. After the war, his family reunited and returned to Germany to start over. While in Germany, Hans became a skilled craftsman of tile and masonry.

In 1954, when Hans was 23, he decided to leave Germany and took the SS Queen Elizabeth from Europe to North America. He served in the US Army and Reserve for 7 yrs. He and Shirley White married on October 7, 1961 at St. Catherines, Ontario, and settled in Chili where they raised four children. A skilled craftsman, Hans worked for Eugene Sackett Company for his entire career, demonstrating pride in taking on large stone and tile commercial installations around upstate NY. He was also active in his union.

Hans had boundless energy and was active in volunteer leadership of Boy Scout Troop 90 and in youth soccer. Hans enjoyed camping, traveling, raising ducks, and especially conversations with friends and strangers alike. Hans was devoted to the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour in Chili. After retirement, he became a nationally certified instructor in tile setting and masonry. In his later years, he also found great joy swimming, and chatting with friends at the YMCA. Hans will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his hardworking nature and his maintaining his beloved friendships around Rochester and the world.

Hans is predeceased by his treasured wife Shirley (2010) and his brothers Fritz and Herman. He is survived by his children Lance (Jennifer), Heidi (Brian), Richard (Anne) and Arden (Susan); grandchildren Connor, Luke, Olivia, Liam, Ethan, Alea, Chloe. He is also survived by family in Germany- nephews Thomas, Hannes, Jens, Christoph and niece Katharina, and their children, and family by marriage in Great Britain - nieces Lydia and Helen, and their children.

The family extends deep thanks to the staff of The Jewish Home for their wonderful care.

All friends are heartily invited to his funeral service on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 11 AM at The Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, 2415 Chili Avenue, Rochester, New York 14624, followed by a luncheon and celebration of a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Hans' life may be made to The Lutheran Church of Our Saviour OR to the Genesee Valley Audubon Society, 208 Rhea Crescent, Rochester, NY 14615.