Richard A. Strause, 73, of Leesport, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2025 in Reading Hospital and Medical Center. He was the husband of Elaine C. (Chruney) Strause. They were married August 19, 1978 and celebrated 46 years of marriage.

Born in Reading, he was the son of the late William D. and Evelyn S. (Huey) Strause. He graduated from Schuylkill Valley High School in 1969; and later attended Penn State Berks, received an Associates Degree in Business in 1971. Rich worked as retail manager at K-Mart at 5th Street and Shillington for 41 years, retiring in 2017. He was a member of Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church, Leesport. Rich was a former member of Leesport Jaycees; and was JCI Senator #38295. He was one of the founding members of both the Leesport Area Historical Society; and the Leesport Jaycee Foundation. He was a former Leesport Borough Councilman; and member of the recreation board. He was also a member of the Leesport Lockhouse Foundation. In his spare time- rich enjoyed creating bowling ball yard art; was an avid fan of the Beatles; and enjoyed "the art of the deal" at Flea Markets. He enjoyed music; especially listening to and collecting records; and going to the Leesport Farmers Market on Wednesdays. He was always a great story teller.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a son: Erick D. Strause, Leesport; a daughter: Cathie J. (Strause) Peters, wife of M. Shane, Wernersville; four grandchildren: Logan, Willow, Ethan, and Ellia. He is also survived by three brothers: Ryan W. Strause, husband of Ann (Mardeness), Leesport, Randall S. Strause, husband of Vina (George), Bern Twp., and Ronald J. Strause, husband of Melissa (Hanson), Leesport.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 10:30 am from Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 223 Peach Street Leesport. Burial will follow in Berks County Memorial Gardens. A viewing will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 am in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be sent to: Leesport Area Historical Society, PO Box 204, Leesport, PA 19533, or Bethany E.C. Church, 308 Main Street Leesport, PA 19533. For online condolences, please visit www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com