Gerald L. Straw

Gerald L. Straw, 73, of Goshen died Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Elkhart General Hospital after two months of declining health.

He was born November 25, 1949 in Goshen to Harold Straw and Elsie (Harshberger) Straw.

A 1968 Goshen High School graduate, he married Carol Welsh in Goshen on October 4, 1970.

She survives along with a son, Darby (Kim) Straw of Valparaiso; a daughter, Susan (Todd) Shidler of New Paris; and four granddaughters, Brooklyn, Adysen, Kinzie and Torrence.

He is also survived by five siblings, Phillip (Ellen) Straw of Goshen, Duane Straw of Greenwood, Marilyn Keck of New Paris, Doris McFarren of Elkhart, and Lowell (Susan) Straw of West Lafayette.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by infant brothers, Ronald and Roger Straw, and a sister, Sharon Straw.

Mr. Straw started Charger R.V. in 1989. He owned and operated the business until it was sold in 2019.

He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Goshen and Concord Rotary. Gerald enjoyed “competitive” grilling and woodworking. He and Carol enjoyed travelling together, especially when the weather turns cold and they become “snowbirds”.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, 1911 S. Main St., Goshen.

There will also be one hour of visitation Friday, beginning at 10 a.m. prior to the 11 a.m. Celebration of Life at Faith Lutheran Church, Greene Road, Goshen. Pastor Jessica King will officiate. The service will be lived streamed at https://faithgoshen.com/live-stream.

According to his wishes, Gerald will be cremated after services.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church, 202 South Greene Road, Goshen, IN 46526; https://faithgoshen.com/ or Rotary Club of Concord, PO Box 973, Elkhart, IN 46515; https://concordrotary.org/ .