Jerald Gene Strausbaugh

Jerald Gene Strausbaugh

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Uncle

Jerald Gene Strausbaugh passed away peacefully on April 16, at the age of 84, surrounded by loved ones. A man of quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and deep faith, Jerald touched the lives of many with his steady presence and generous heart.

Born in Louisburg, Jerald grew up with a love for family, a strong faith, hard work, and community. He received his Masters in education at Emporia State University and dedicated 40 years to education as a teacher and high school guidance counselor, where he was widely respected and cherished for his deep care for his students.

Jerald married Margaret Johnson at Holy Family Church in Alma, Kansas in 1962. He was a devoted husband to Margaret for 63 years. He was a proud father to Annette Riley, Stephen Strausbaugh, and Karen Vincent, and a cherished grandfather to Stephen, Cody, Kyle, Emily, Jessica, Jake, Paris, Joseph, Jeffery, Jamie, Tobias, Avory, Jennifer, Paul, Janet, and Bradley. His family was the center of his world, and he found great joy in the simple moments-fishing, working on projects, visiting, football, and playing with his grandchildren, his 19 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews who were the highlight of his life.

A man of deep Catholic faith, Jerald was a long-time member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where he found comfort, community, and purpose. He served faithfully on the parish council, Holy Trinity School Board, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. His legacy is one of grace, compassion, humility, and steadfast love-values he instilled in his family and lived out in every aspect of his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Francis, and his siblings Joe, Albert, Bernard, Tom, Donald, Dena Jane, Rosemary, Clara Marie, and Virginia. He is survived by his loving wife Margaret, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sister Carol, twin brother Jerry and a host of extended family and friends.

Visitation for Jerald will be at Dengel & Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel on April 21 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Paola on April 22 at 10:00 am, followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Those who wish to honor Jerald’s memory are invited to make donations to Holy Trinity Catholic Church or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Jerald will be deeply missed and forever remembered.