Gerald Stephen Strauss, DDS, 71, of Worthington, died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, at the Ohio State University (OSU) James Cancer Hospital.
A 1973 graduate of the OSU College of Dentistry, he practiced family dentistry in Marysville for 44 years, where he was faithfully dedicated to his patients and staff. He was a member of the Ohio and American Dental associations and was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
He was a proud Buckeyes fan and attended every home OSU football game since 1964. His true passion was basketball, as he was a member of the 1965-1966 OSU team under Fred Taylor. He appreciated the university and showed support through the OSU President’s Club, the Buckeye Boosters and the OSU Alumni Association. His veins were truly filled with scarlet and grey. He also had a heart for all Ohio sports teams and loyally cheered on the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Browns.
Although sports and the OSU Buckeyes were some of his biggest passions, his top priority in life was his love for family and friends. He was a committed husband to his wife of 30 years, Susan Hall Strauss, whom he married on May 7, 1988. He was also a supporting father for his two children, Gerald “Jerry” W. Florian Strauss, a senior at OSU, and his daughter, Victoria Lee Zoé Strauss, a junior at Florida Atlantic University.
He was a beloved father, husband, mentor and friend. Those closest described him as a “gentle giant” displaying strength, love and dedication throughout all aspects of his life. He had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest by traveling across the country to visit friends and enjoying time with his family.
He was born on Aug. 23, 1946, in Marion, to the late Gerald “Doc” and Virginia Starner Strauss. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his mentor, Ron Wilson, and infant nephew, Bryan Freeman Yoder.
In addition to his wife and children, he is also survived by his sister, Judy (Donald) Fown of Marion; mother and father-in-law, Bonnie and James Hall; brother-in-law, Steve (Karen) Hall of Plain City; sister-in-law, Sandy (Roger) Yoder of Bluffton, South Carolina; nephews and nieces, Brian (Heather) Thompson, Michelle (Doug) Brandum, Jason (Krista) Hall, Michael (Danielle) Hall, Jenna Yoder and Travis (Meghan) Yoder; and many other relatives and countless friends.
The Rev. Katya Brodbeck will officiate a Celebration of Life memorial service at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, at Powell United Methodist Church, 825 E.Olentangy St., in Powell. The family will receive friends at the church before the memorial service, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Attendees are invited for food and fellowship at the church following the service. Underwood Funeral Home in Marysville is assisting the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Charity Newsies or OSU neuroendocrine research (in care of OSU Foundation). Contributions may be sent to Underwood Funeral Home, 703 E. Fifth St., Marysville, OH 43040.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.underwoodfuneralhome.com.