Russell Stravers

Russell Lee Stravers was born May 9, 1942, to Gilbert and Jennie (Harthoorn) Stravers, in Lynnville, Iowa.

Russ attended Black Oak Country School, Sully Christian School and graduated from Pella Christian High School.

On February 23, 1962, he was united in marriage to Gladys Viola Lanser at the Sully Christian Reformed Church. To this union they were blessed with five children: Jeffrey, Brenda, Lynnette, Gregory, and Philip. 

Throughout his career, Russ painted barns, farmed, worked at farm implement dealers, built grain bins, worked for Vermeer Manufacturing for 31 years and finally, worked for a farm implement dealer again. Russ also mowed the lawn and drove bus for the Sully Christian School.

Russ was a gifted singer who was a member of the Sounds of Praise Gospel Quartet for 25 years and together they made four records. He enjoyed traveling, woodworking, and yardwork, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Russ was a member of Sully Christian Reformed Church where he directed the choir for many years.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Gladys, their children and their families:

Jeff and Jody Stravers, Sully

            Kelsie and Cody Johnson

                        Trace, Tyler, Cora

            Jacob Stravers

            Megan and Sam Wenndt

                        Iris

            Bret Stravers

Brenda and Mark McKay, Attica

            Alyssa McKay

Lynn Nichols, Des Moines

            Noah Nichols

            Elijah Nichols

Greg and Marcy Stravers, Pella

            Justin Stravers and Ashley Ambroson

            Colin Stravers

            Ian Stravers

Phil and Amy Stravers, Pella

            Drew Stravers and Kara Otto

            Clay and Tristen Stravers

            Emma Stravers

He is also survived by his sisters: Velma and Larry Ouwenga of DeMotte, Indiana, and Sandra and Phil Braziel of Waukee, Iowa.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents Gilbert and Jennie Stravers, his sister Marilyn Schuling.

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