Charles B. Strause

Charles B. Strause, 86, of Shartlesville, passed away Sunday, December 15th, at Laurel Center, Hamburg.

Born in Lebanon on August 23, 1938, he was the son of the late Mary (Monahan) and Charles W. Strause.

Charlie was the husband of Marie J. (Kruppenbach) Strause to whom he was married 17 years.

He attended Pottsville Area High School.

Known as "Gunny" to many, Charlie served 20 years in the United States Marine Corps as a Gunnery Sergeant. A proud veteran, he was a life member of VFW Post 3432, Pine Grove, a chartered life member of Marine Corps Association and life member of 2nd & 3rd Marine Division Association, a life member and past State Commandant of Marine Corps League Det. 626, and a member of American Legion Post 286, Cressona.

Charlie was also a member of Schuylkill Lodge #138, Orwigsburg and Rajah Temple, Reading.

He retired as a Security Chief for the Department of Public Welfare.

Charlie attended Host Church, Bernville.

In addition to his wife, Charlie is survived by a son, Michael Strause (Brenda) of Rock; daughter, Katherine Wilding of CT; sister, Charlotte Stoudt of Orwigsburg; sister-in-law, Sherry Strause of Hegins; and brother-in-law, Robert McDonald of Orwigsburg. He is also survived by grandchildren, Erin, Amber (Dustin), Hunter, Tyler, Tayler, and Carter; great grandchildren, Wyatte and Paizley; and several nieces and nephews. During retirement, Charlie's greatest joy was traveling to watch his grandchildren's sporting events.

In addition to his parents, Charlie is preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Strause; sisters, Rita, Mary, and Janet; brothers, Eddy, William, Al, and Lamar; and stepson, Ashley Shuey.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 24th at Ebling Stabingas Funeral Home in Cressona with Pastor Phil Thomas officiating. A viewing will be held at 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

Interment with military honors will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Anville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Coal Cracker Detachment, 139 S 2nd St. Saint Clair, PA 17970 or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.