Russell Strate

Russell "Russ" L. Strate, age 72, of Jefferson City, and a former Osage County resident, passed away Thursday, June 30, 2011, at St Mary's Health Center in Jefferson City. Russ was born November 8, 1938, in Hope, a son to the late Herbert H. and Lorene L. (Niewald) Strate. Russ was a 1956 graduate of Linn High School and had worked as a salesman most of his life. Russ was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jefferson City and the Knights of Columbus. Russ enjoyed gardening, fishing, being outdoors and baking. Russ was a regular contributor to the Ryors Cemetery in Osage County. He tried to never miss a church picnic and always baked goods for the church to sell in their bake sale. Russ was also a huge Cardinal fan and tried to never miss a game on TV. Russ is survived by: two aunts, Elsie Marsh of Nixa and Eleanor Busch of Krakow; one uncle, Kenneth Niewald of Linn; two nephews, Trevor Mertz of Austin, Texas, and Jason Mertz of Houston, Texas; as well as numerous cousins, a brother-in-law and many friends. In addition to his parents, Russ was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Mertz. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 6, 2011, at Morton Chapel in Linn. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Msgr. David Cox officiating. Interment will follow in the Ryors Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Ryors Cemetery Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, (573-897-2214) www.mortonchapel.com