Blaine Lee Strauser

HIMROD - Blaine Lee Strauser, age 98, of Himrod, N.Y., ascended to his heavenly reward on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home.

A memorial service will be held Sunday August 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church 13 Harpending Ave. Dundee, N.Y. Blaine's private inurnment was previously held at Grove Mount Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, 2025, where his earthly remains were laid next to his lovely bride of 65 years, Doris Jean.

Blaine was born September 4, 1926 in Los Angeles, California, the son of the late Leon and Helen (Butler) Strauser. Blaine attended El-Monte High School in Los Angeles, California; however, he answered the call of military duty in 1943 before he could graduate. He served during World War II in the US Navy until 1946 when he was honorably discharged due to a non-combat injury that he suffered while on ship. After serving in the Navy, Blaine earned his high school diploma while also pursuing a double major of Education/Theology at Point Loma College in San Diego, CA, where he earned his bachelor's degree.

Blaine felt called to the ministry of the Church of the Nazarene in 1949 and soon started and built his first church in Elkhart, Indiana. Throughout the years he started many churches in various parts of the country, literally building them with his hands and pastored at many more. He never truly retired from the ministry and continued to share words of comfort and goodness to all who knew him until his death. During the 1960's, Blaine also served as the police Chaplain for the Placentia Police Department in California and rode along with officers armed with his bible, his compassion, his badge and his gun. Blaine also throughout his career felt the importance of young families being able to be financially independent, and successful. With this in mind he was called to use his abundance of financial knowledge to start several credit unions for the Church of the Nazarene. These included credit unions in Idaho and California. In the 1980's, Blaine felt that Dundee, N.Y. needed a credit union and started the Keuka-Seneca Federal Credit Union which after merging became the ServU Credit Union. Blaine also was asked to serve as Financial Officer for his alma mater, Point Loma Nazarene College and worked in wills and services for the General Church of the Nazarene.

Blaine was a man of many talents but that would not be what he would want to be remembered for. More importantly he was a man of integrity, gratitude, kindness and devotion to his Lord, fellow man and his family. He loved to read, learn new things, drink coffee, work outside, carpentry, helping his neighbors and sitting on his porch in Himrod. He was a man who never met a stranger and was loved by all who met him. Words from his friends stated he was "a special man and we are all better people for having known him." He was truly a blessing to our lives.

He is survived by his daughter Janet Strauser; granddaughters Elizabeth and Terri Wolfe; his great grandchildren Emilee (Wojcinski) Miller, Megan (Wojcinski) Cadwell, and Justin Olevnik. He is also survived by his two great great grandaughters, Sophia Miller and Maesen Cadwell.

Blaine was predeceased by his parents; his sister Jewel (Turbeville); baby daughter Debbie; baby son Blaine Jr.; his wife of 65 years Doris Jean and his wife of 10 years Faith Fouch.

The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to the Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home where Blaine (Grandpa) as he was known there, spent his last 9 months. He was always expressing to them how grateful he was for the wonderful care that they gave him. He was not treated as a resident but as family.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home 655 North Liberty St. Penn Yan, N.Y. 14527, would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home 36 Water St. Dundee, N.Y.; online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com