Elmer Nathan Strauss, Jr., 85, a longtime resident of Fort Lauderdale, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2019, with his loving family by his side.

Elmer was born on September 4, 1934, in Philadelphia, to Ann (nee' Stoops) and Elmer Strauss, Sr. He attended Pennsylvania Military Prep School, and continued on to receive his bachelor's degree in Engineering from Penn State University. Elmer received his 2nd Lt. ROTC Commission in the Army and shortly thereafter entered active duty, serving much of his time in Germany. The family resided in Absecon, New Jersey for several years before relocating to Fort Lauderdale in 1972.

Elmer's contribution to the Marine Industry of Fort Lauderdale led the City to proclaim September 4th as annual Elmer Strauss Day. The success and prestige of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and the Fort Lauderdale Boat Parade are a result of Elmer's enthusiasm and promotion of the marine industry. His entrepreneurial spirit was very strong having founded Cable Marine, D.S. Hull, Boat Owner's Warehouse, BOW Worldwide and Yacht Equipment & Parts. Along the way, Elmer helped many others with his generous heart and guidance to be successful in their own pursuits.

Elmer was a loving father, husband and wonderful friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Elmer is preceded in death by the mother of his children, Virginia Dell Strauss, his grandson Thomas Warren, and his sister and brother-in-law Patricia and Richard Ulrich. He is survived by his six children, Carla Strauss, Peter Strauss and Robin, John Strauss and Mindy, Terri Strauss, James Strauss and Deborah Warren, along with nine grandchildren, Danielle, Amber, Kristin, Jessica, A.J., Grant, Leeann, Marena and Kalysta, and five great grandchildren, Kane, Mason, Jaxon, Joshua, and Alura and niece Nancy Ulrich (Beth).

Services will be held on Monday, October 14 at 4:00 O'clock at Davie United Methodist Church, 6500 SW 47th Avenue, Davie. Immediately after the services, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Pine Island Ridge Country Club, 9400 Pine Ridge Drive, Davie.

In lieu of flowers, etc. donations are invited to the OceanConservancy.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sun-Sentinel from Oct. 10 to Oct. 13, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Elmer Strauss

16 Entries

Dottie Robertson

October 20, 2019

To know you was to love you, you my friend were truly the most loving,caring and generous man I have ever met. I'm sad I was not here to pay my respects but I will never ever forget you and your larger then life personality, never a harsh word for anyone. Your love for people and helping those in need had no boundaries. I have so many fond memories of you and our friendship, this world has lost a beautiful man ❤ Blessed to call you my friend ❤ RIP my friend ❤

D Torres

October 19, 2019

- May the God of comfort and peace continue to be with family and friends to see you through the difficult times. Jeremiah 29:11

Mickey & Julia Taylor

October 15, 2019

Our condolences go out to the Strauss Family.
Saying and sending prayers
for the loss of your father.

God Bless You All.

George & DeDe Cable

October 15, 2019

Elmer, thank you for having the foresight and courage to start this business from nothing and to help build it into what it is today 42 years later. We are forever grateful to you for your friendship, leadership and guidance. Our deepest sympathies to your loving family.

Rosemarie Greve

October 14, 2019

Thinking of You and Your Family at this difficult time, I am SO VERY Thankful and Grateful to have known You, Elmer, and your family, and Remembering all the Good Times and Beautiful Memories We`ve Had with You All.. Your Legacy will live on Forever, Rosemarie Greve and Family

Renee Hobart

October 13, 2019

Elmer was a visionary in the Marine Industry, and it was a pleasure to do business with his companies and eventually work there. He will be missed for sure. My sincere condolences to the entire Strauss Family.

Tom Lardin

October 12, 2019

Elmer was a great friend, client and inspiration to me. When I think of important moments in my professional life, Elmer was a part of many of them. He had a way of bringing out the best of those associated with him which is a testament to his character. I will be forever thankful that he was part of my life.

October 11, 2019

First met Elmer in 1952. Was at one time his college roommate and he was the "best man" at our wedding. Never a better friend than Elmer. In and out of our lives at different times, but we will ways treasure the special times spent with him. Our prayers and love to his family. Will never forget a very special friend.
Fred and Suzanne Jones

Sharyn Volk

October 11, 2019

Elmer was a wonderful man. He was so generous to my brothers Ira and Robert Volk. I will never forget meeting him at my brother's (Ira) wedding. He said he had heard about how well I took care of Ginny. He told me he how much he appreciated it.

Elmer you will be greatly missed missed by all who knew and loved you.

John Oliver

October 11, 2019

Elmer was a very smart man.he taught me a lot about the marine industry.thank you boss.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Frank D'Ermiliio

October 10, 2019

I am so great full to have know that strong and gentle man . He had a heart of gold . I'am so glad I was on his receiving end never expecting anything back . The man was real and will be missed. Thanks Elmer

David Nichols

October 10, 2019

A true gentleman who saw the good and potential in everybody. He made this world a better place. His legacy will live on forever.

Rob Wonnell

October 10, 2019

So many great memories with Elmer, thoughts go out to Fran and the entire family.

Ira Volk

October 10, 2019

Elmer will always be in our hearts.Our love goes to Elmer's family. We were honored to know him. And I am honored to work at one of the companies he Started for 19 yrs and many more yrs to come.

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