Lawrence “Larry” P. Strayer, 83, of River Hills Village in Keokuk formerly of Donnellson, passed away at 3:55 a.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023 at River Hills Village in Keokuk.
He was born on July 11, 1940 the son of Harry B. and Agnes E. (Pranger) Strayer. On February 29, 1964, he married Pauline Wittman in Kittery, Maine.
Survivors include his wife Pauline; one daughter Laura (Richard) Lee Gilkerson of Albuquerque, New Mexico; one son Elliott John (Chanteé) Strayer of Silverdale, Washington; four grandchildren: Elizabeth (Daniel) Parks, Kelly Gilkerson (John Craig), Alexander Strayer, and Zachary Strayer; one great grandson Damien Webber; one sister Rosanna (Gerald) Smith of Fort Madison, Iowa; two brothers: David (Andrea) Strayer of Donnellson and James (Sue) Strayer of Donnellson; two sisters-in-law Alice Strayer of Donnellson and Arlene Gray of Jerome, Idaho. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother Robert.
Larry was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point. He retired from Baltimore Gas and Electric after 25 years of service as a shift supervisor, then worked for Ship Interiors for 6 years, when he moved back to Donnellson he worked for Schlicher Well Company and Schmitz Funeral Home. He served in the United States Navy for eight years working on nuclear submarines. He was a member of West Point Knights of Columbus where he was a Grand Night, Gallitzin Assembly fourth Degree Nights of Columbus, Donnellson American Legion, was active with the Boy Scouts where he earned Scout Master of the year at National Capital Area Boy Scouts, and assisted Pauline with Tack and Hammer Upholstery Service. Larry enjoyed square dancing, camping, and wintering in the Arizona for thirteen years following retirement.
A visitation will begin at 12:00 noon, Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, October 5, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.
Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, West Point.
A memorial has been established in his memory for St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
