Richard G. “Uncle Rich” Strasser, 82, of Ava, passed away Friday, May 13, 2005.
He was born Jan. 27, 1923, in St. Louis, the son of Otto and Grace (Stebel) Strasser. He worked for the CCC camps during World War II in St. Louis, helping build the park systems and working in the construction of the St. Louis Arch. He was also a journeyman electrician and pipe fitter.
He finally made his career as a custodian for the Normandy School District in St. Louis, and retired after 30 years. He had many hobbies which included having fun with all of his nieces and nephews.
Richard never married.
A native of St. Louis, Richard moved to Ava in May 2001 and lived at Ava Place residential care facility and later moved to Heart of the Ozarks Health Care Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Louis and Gene, and one brother who died at birth.
He is survived by a sister, Virginia (Strasser) Lee and husband, Joe, and a sister-in-law Shirley Strasser, all of St. Louis; a niece, Sandy Barton and husband, Jim, great-nephew James E. Barton, and great-great nephew, Richard Louis Barton (who was named for Richard and his brother, Louis), all of Ava.
He is also survived by six nieces and nephews, 17 great-nieces and nephews, and 24 great-great-nieces and nephews.
Richard made many friends in Ava during his four-year stay here.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, May 17, at Valhala Cemetery in St. Louis.
