Lee V. "Pee Wee" Strause

Lee V. “Pee Wee” Strause, 91, of Reading, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 9:30 am in his residence.  He was the husband of Barbara Ann (Whitehead) Strause.  Born in Reading, Mr. Strause was the son of the late Levi and Pearl R. (Shoffner) Strause.  He served in the United States Army during the Korean War.  Mr. Strause belonged to Alsace Lutheran Church where he was a member of the senior club and radio room operator.  While Lee held many jobs throughout his working years, he is best known for his employment at Firestone Tire & Rubber in Pottstown for 5 years, being a Fire Driver for the City of Reading Fire Company for 27 years, retiring in 1987, and working for Gormley Fire Equipment Company for 43 years, retiring in 1999.  Mr. Strause was a former member of Reading Firefighters Local #1803, Berks County Fireman’s Association, a trustee of Marion Fire Company #10 for over 46 years, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Reading Area Firefighter Museum.  

In addition to his wife, Mr. Strause is survived by his children Daniel L. Strause husband of Janice M. of Wyomissing, Denise L. Latshaw wife of Timothy J. of Ephrata, and his grandchildren Amanda (married to Grant), Lauren, Lindsay, and Tyler.  He is also survived by his nephews Jay, Allen, and Bryan and was preceded in death by his sister, June V. Doudna.

Funeral Service will be held at Bean Funeral Home - 6 Fairlane Road, Exeter Township, on Friday, June 7, 2024 at 9:30 am.  Reverend Mark E. Brophy will officiate.  Interment with Military Honors rendered by the United States Army Honor Guard will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park.  The family will receive relatives and friends at Bean Funeral Home on Thursday, June 6, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 am.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alsace Lutheran Church - 2201 Kutztown Road, Reading, PA 19605 or Reading Area Firefighters Museum - 501 South 5^th Street, Reading, PA 19602 in memory of Mr. Lee V. Strause.  Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com