Douglas "Doug" Straus

Douglas "Doug" J. Straus, age 50, of Atwater, died unexpectedly Wednesday morning, August 29, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 4, at St. John's Catholic Church in Darwin. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 2, at the Peterson Brothers Atwater Funeral Home. Doug was born on October 15, 1961, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Stanley and Ordella (Smaaladen) Straus. He grew up in Robbinsdale, graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1979 and received technical training for electronic repairs. On February 14, 1997, Doug was united in marriage to Mary W. Jefferies. They made their home in Minneapolis and in 2005, moved to Atwater. For the past 12 years Doug was employed by Shred-It. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, classic cars, being a handyman and time spent with his family and friends. Doug had a happy-go-lucky personality that will be missed. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary of Atwater; one daughter, Katie Straus of Litchfield and one granddaughter, Carmen. Also surviving are four brothers, Stan (and Sandy) Straus of Oshkosh, WI., Rick Straus of Minneapolis, Joe Straus of Minneapolis and Lou (and Kathy) Straus of Elk River and two sisters, Angela Straus of Minneapolis and Marlys (and Larry) Burgoon of Bemidji, besides other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.