Russell S. Strauss, 88, WWII vet, mechanic, musician, Brickerville Fire Company charter member

Russell S. Strauss, 88, a lifelong resident of Brickerville, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, June 11, 2015, at Hospice and Community Care in Mount Joy.

His wife of 50 years, the late Mildred (Horst) Strauss, passed away Sept. 17, 1998.

Russell was a World War II veteran and served in the Pacific Theater with the U.S. Navy Seabees.

He was a charter member and life member of the Brickerville Fire Company and a member of the Brickerville United Lutheran Parrish.

Russell worked as a career auto mechanic for various companies in the area and was also a musician and performed with his group Russ and The Sun Valley Boys.

He is survived by two daughters: Diane K., wife of Clarence Dagen III, of Lititz; and Tina M., wife of Charles E. Emlet Jr., of Brickerville; one son: Jeffrey L. Strauss, husband of Colleen M. (McClearen) Strauss, of Brickerville; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one brother: Paul E. Strauss of Manheim.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents: the late George H. and Emma (Showers) Strauss; and one brother: Robert Strauss.

Services were held June 15 at Paul L. Gravenor Home for Funerals, Ephrata, with Rev. Scott Davis officiating. Interment with military honors will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Brickerville.

Donations in Russell’s memory may be made to Hospice and Community Care, P.O. Box 4125 Lancaster, PA 17604 or to the Brickerville Fire Company, 10 Hopeland Road, Lititz, PA 17543.

To send an online condolence, visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com. Paul L. Gravenor Home for Funerals, Ephrata, had charge of the arrangements.