Richard Strasser

Richard Charles Strasser, 95, of Goshen passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 23, 2015 surrounded by his family. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 15, 1920 to Genevieve (Cheadle) and Rolland Strasser Richard grew up in Evanston, Illinois and graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in geology. He attended graduate school there and taught geology before joining the Navy as a lieutenant. He served in World War II in the Pacific aboard the USS Panamint where he was involved in action at Okinawa. On August 21, 1943 he married Ina Latta and they lived their entire life in Goshen. He was CEO and president of Western Rubber Company, and also served as president of the Rotary Club and was on the Goshen College President's Advisory Board. Richard loved photography, tennis, and scuba diving. One of his greatest joys was traveling the world, adventuring into Africa, Europe, Asia and South America, as well as many unusual and exotic locations. His favorite place of all was his home in the Cayman Islands where he spent winters enjoying the beach with his family and friends. Richard is survived by his three daughters, Jennifer Downs of Ashland, Oregon, Linda Hubley of Boulder, Colorado and Susan Strasser of Syracuse. He was the grandfather of five grandchildren, Christopher Downs, Tyson and Miles Hubley, Sara Streifel and Angela Caldwell. He is also survived by three great grandsons, Cullen, Kai and Max; and three nephews, Rolland, Stephen and Jeffrey Strasser. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ina and a brother, Bill Strasser. The family will have a private burial at Violett Cemetery in Goshen. In memory of Richard, and in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to WACF, Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, PO Box 548, Syracuse, IN 46567, or the Elkhart River Restoration Association, c/o David Troup, 305 Carter Rd., Goshen, IN 46526. Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.