Marvin Gordon Strausser

My father was a man that you would call, “the salt of the earth”. He was raised on a farm in Michigan with 12 siblings by a mother who was truly a blessed woman of God. She worked hard all of her life, outlived three husbands, took care of the senile elderly people in her home until the age of 82. My most precious possession is her very well worn Bible, she loved the Lord dearly.

My father also worked very hard most of his life in construction here in Arizona. My sister, Deeann and I were born in Fort George E. Meade in Bethesda, Maryland while he was serving in the military., His son, Michael and daughter Lori were born in Michigan after his discharge.

My father loved children and animals. He passed down this love to me. I was priviliged to be “Daddy’s Girl” and lived with him after my parent’s divorce. He loved camping and fishing which he also passed down to our family including the grandchildren. Those were some of our fondest memories as a family.

My father always made sure we had wonderful Christmases where all our wishes came true. Everyone that met him said he resembled Jesus or Santa with his twinkling blue eyes, rosy cheeks and white beard. I believe that’s why he passed on December 14, the same day all those poor children were tragically killed. They were asking for a Christmas with Santa so the Lord gave them my Papa.

I feel so blessed that his final days were spent at the Beatitudes Nursing Home. Not only did he receive such wonderful care, he was surrounded by people who also grew to love him. I can never express my deep gratitude to all of their staff.

I’ll miss you so very much Papa. I’m so glad we had these last few years to spend some time together. When I asked what your final wishes would be, you answered after much thought and it was see your Mother again, then wept when I explained to you that was not possible. It makes me so very happy that your wish finally came true! Enjoy fishing with Mike and I will look forward to fishing with you again someday. I love you Papa!

Your Loving Daughter,

Kathy Manning