79, friendly, outgoing and full of mischief
Gerald “Jerry” Dwain Strauch, 79, of Roach, Mo., died Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at Parkside Manor in Columbia, Mo.
He was born June 29, 1929 to Herman Ivon Sr. and Velda Adeline Chandler Strauch in Lincoln, Neb.
Jerry, one of five children, grew up in Lincoln and moved to Independence, Mo., where he attended Columbian Elementary. He graduated from Northeast High School in Kansas City, Mo., in 1947.
For the most part, Jerry drove a truck for several companies including Johnson Cleaners in Independence. During the 1950s through 70s, he farmed and was superintendent in the porcelain plant of Independence Stove and Manufacturing Company and also drove a truck to make deliveries and pickups.
Jerry purchased farmland near Adrian, Mo., in the 1960s and also worked at the grain elevator in Adrian loading grain from trucks and also for Ash Grove Cement crushing rock. From 1986 to 2009 Jerry was employed by Luffland Industries in Bates City, Mo.
He moved to the Lake of the Ozarks in 1993 and it was the highlight of Jerry’s week to come from the lake every Wednesday, bring some doughnuts, “work” Wednesday and Thursday, visit with his friends and stay overnight with Sandy’s family. He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 21 in Independence.
Jerry was friendly, outgoing and full of mischief. He enjoyed fishing, loved westerns and everything connected to the military and its history.
Jerry is survived by his brother, Herman Strauch Jr. of Butler, Mo.; two sisters, LaVerta “Bobby” Barr of Butler and Sandra Stevens and husband Gordon of Lee’s Summit; and nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Beverly Jean Strauch; a niece, Janna Barrett; brother-in-law, Kenny Barr; and sister-in-law, Shirley Strauch.
Funeral services were Monday, June 22 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Diane Allison officiating. Burial, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.
Memorials may be made to American Heart Association or charity of choice. Online condolences may be left at www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
Camden County, Mo. —
