Obituary of Ralph Strouse

Ralph Henry Strouse, 93, of Belleville, formerly of State College, died Sunday, December 4, 2011 at Valley View Haven, Belleville. Born February 16, 1918, in State College, he was the son of the late Luther and Jenny Cramer Strouse. He married Anna Fisher on July 22, 1940 who survives. He is survived by his two children, Grace Widmann and her husband, Charles and Ralph Eugene Strouse and his wife Katherine of State College and a brother, Fred Strouse, of Boalsburg and a sister Rebecca Ginger, of State College. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Jennifer Ann Garis and her husband, Josh, of State College and Stephanie Rene Strouse, of Burlington, Vt. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Harry R. Strouse and P. Glenn Strouse. He graduated from State College in 1936. He was a farmer and later worked for Hallar Raymond and Brown, known as HRB until 1968 after which he began employment in Soil Testing Lab. at Penn State. Retiring from Penn State he enjoyed working at the Weis Market on Westerly Parkway. He was a member of the Pine Hall Lutheran Church, a life member of the State College Masonic Lodge #700, the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Consistory, Williamsport, fifty year member of the Jaffa Shrine in Altoona, Centre County Shrine Club and the United Commercial Travelers. Ralph enjoyed his family and sports, especially horseshoe pitching participating in various horseshoe pitching tournaments while residing in Florida during the winter months. Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 9, 2011 at Pine Hall Lutheran Church. Funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the church with the Rev. Susan Williamson officiating. Burial will be in Pine Hall Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pine Hall Lutheran Church at 1760 West College Avenue, State College, PA 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be made at www.kochfuneralhome.com.