Gerard R. Strause

1941 - 2022

Gerard R. Strause, 80, of New Ringgold, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at his home in Orwigsburg with his family by his side.

Born in Orwigsburg, Oct. 29, 1941, he was a son of the late Ray and Grace Miller Strause.

Gerard was a 1959 graduate of Blue Mountain High School, where he served as the president of Future Farmers of America.

After high school, he went on to serve in the Army; he was stationed in Germany as a guard.

He was of the Christian faith.

Gerard worked in construction throughout his life, predominantly working on roads and bridges. He even helped to dig and construct Lake Wynonah. Gerard then went on to work at Kraft Foods, where he worked as a selector and performed maintenance.

Gerard had a love for the outdoors. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing and just being outside. He was a lifetime member of Hamburg Fish and Game Association. Gerard enjoyed going to air shows and attending tractor pulls. He loved music, especially hymns, polkas and bluegrass. Gerard was also very creative in woodworking. He created many beautiful pieces throughout his life. These works are held by people up and down the east coast and will live on as a remembrance. Another fondness of Gerard's was eating, especially ice cream, seafood and all variations of Pennsylvania Dutch fare.

Gerard is survived by his loving wife, Linda Yancek Strause and their children, Donna White, wife of Jeremy, Deborah Walker, wife of Teddy, Joyce Caggiano, wife of Dana, Cathy Hassman, wife of Todd, Angela Strause Asper, wife of Donny, and David Strause, husband to Sabrina. He is also survived by grandchildren, Jay, Rebecca, Joshua, husband to Amanda, Nicholas, Charlie, Alyssa, Ella and Cody; along with great-grandchildren, Grayson, Dawsynn, Karsynn and Arabella; brothers, Carl and Barry, their respective wives, Joanne and Barbara; and his nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday at Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven. A viewing will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of services. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family on the grounds of Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Gerard's memory be made to the Red Creek Wildlife Center, 300 Moonhill Drive, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhome.com.