Claude Strauch

Claude Paul Strauch was born on October 23rd, 1941, in Dora Township to George and Evelyn (Finnegan) Strauch. He passed away at HIA Heather’s House Hospice Facility in Fargo, North Dakota, on March 13th, 2026, at the age of 84.

Claude graduated from Perham High School class of 1959 and briefly attended North Dakota State University before enlisting in the United States Army, where he served his country honorably until his discharge in 1962. After completing his military service, he married Mary Ann Jabas on May 1st, 1965, in Bowlus, Minnesota. Together, they raised six children and shared a life characterized by commitment and adventure.

Following their marriage, the couple lived in Alaska for six months, during which Claude worked various jobs, before returning to the Minneapolis area where he established himself as a glazier. In 1972, they purchased the family farm near Dent and farmed for several years. Eventually transitioning the farm land into a landscape of more than 10,000 pine trees spanning multiple varieties.

Claude pursued many interests throughout his life. He earned his pilot’s license and enjoyed attending the annual Air Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Other interests included motorcycling, fishing, hunting, card games, singing in the church choir, reading, listening to books, and spending time with his family. Fond memories were made taking rides on the golf cart or enjoying drinks from the well. Nieces and nephews often speak about the "fun times" on the farm. 

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Evelyn; his granddaughter Allison; brothers Gerald, Stan, and Jim; and sisters Joan and Pat.

Survivors include his wife Mary Ann; children Christine, Michelle, Kenneth (Kate) Strauch, Cheryl (Jeff) Manthey, Jancet, and Jane (Eric) Gebhard; grandchildren Valerie, Kelsey, Brittany, Caleb, Nathan, Megan, Courtney, Emily, Joseph, Matthew, Rylee, and Olivia; great-grandchildren Jaxon and Sadie; siblings Kathleen (Fred) De Weese, Rebecca (Stanley) Way, Mary “Sue” Biggins, Tom Strauch, Corrine Hayden, Priscilla (Mark) Hovland, and Theresa Lake; brother-in-law Don Eich; sister-in-law Karen Strauch; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Claude Paul Strauch will be remembered for his dedication to family and his appreciation for time spent with loved ones. His legacy continues to bring comfort to those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a gift be made in memory of Claude to HIA Heather's House, 3800 56th Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58104 

Donate here: https://www.hiahealth.org/patients-caregivers/hospice/heathers-house/?gad_source=1

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