Gerrit Stanley van Straten

Gerrit S. van Straten passed away April 24, 2018, at the age of 85, after suffering from a stroke. Born July 6, 1932, in Baltimore Maryland, to the late Albert and Dorothy Belle van Straten (Patterson). Survived by his devoted and loving wife, Jane A. van Straten (Shields); children Cynthia Phillips (Pat), Stevin van Straten (Karen), Katherine Howard, Karen Jackson (Roger), Carol Howard (Curt); 14 granchildren; 14 great grandchildren; sister Gretchen Bowker; cousin Lynne; cousin Carey; aunt Ferne Patterson. Graduated from the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, with a diploma, and The Ohio State University with a B. S. degree in Mechanical Engineering. Served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Charter member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and a current member of North Community Lutheran Church, having served as church president for each church. He devoted his life to the love of engineering and started this work at North American Aviation, then on to managing his own engineering firm for 34 years and finishing out a 64 year engineering career with the national AandE firm of WD Partners. He was a nationally registered Mechanical Engineer and individually registered as a Mechanical and Electrical Engineer in 49 states, the District of Columbia and the American Virgin Islands. He was also nationally registered as an atomic fallout shelter design analyst. He was a life member of The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) where he served as chapter President and on many national committees; full member of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) where he served as chapter President and national President of the ASPE Research Foundation. He also was selected as the U.S. representative to the International Plumbing Conference in Europe. He was involved in the writing of various state and national engineering codes, wrote engineering articles for trade magazines, and authored plumbing, mechanical and electrical teaching seminars. His love for teaching was proven by the fact there are seven different engineering firms in the U.S. being run by employees that worked for his firm. He was given a national award for the best lighting design for large industrial manufacturing plants and developed a manufacturing process for titanium metal that allowed for the successful production of the wings on high speed naval aircraft. An engineering challenge by a client to provide a better method for energy conservation, and initial cost, led to a new HVAC design concept accepted by ASHRAE. He was a member of the Bexley/Berwick Kiwanis, the National Republican Glee Club (serving as past president of both clubs), American Legion, Central Ohio Hot Jazz Society, life member of the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and the Ohio State University Alumni Associations. As a member of the national military society, Scabbard and Blade, his drill team won the marching competition and represented the State of Maryland in the first Eisenhower Inaugural parade. His passion for history was fulfilled in his association with the Motts Military Museum of Groveport, Ohio where he served as vice chairman of the museum board and provided the construction drawings for the museum facilities. This passion also included a large book collection of history housed from floor to ceiling in a home bedroom and part of the den library area as well as a life time membership in the Ohio Historical Society. Music was also an important part of his life where he, along with Jane, found much time to attend and participate in musical activities throughout the country. And when the wonder lust urge occurred, travel throughout the entire U.S.A. and 41 foreign counties fulfilled that bill. Friends may call Friday 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL 6699 N. High Street (1/2 mile South of 270) and one hour before the funeral service, which will be held 10:00am Saturday at NORTH COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 114 Morse Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43214 with Pastor Chris Adams officiating. Interment will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers send donations to the Motts Military Museum, Groveport, Ohio, or to the charity of your choice. Visit www.schoedinger.com to send online condolences to the family.