John H. Strauss, 88, of Altoona died Tuesday, October 18, 2005, at his home. He was born in New York, New York, on February 24, 1917, the son of Irving and Helen (Ames) Strauss. John grew up in New York, lived several years as an adolescent in Switzerland, and then attended the University of Virginia. \r\nJohn was fluent in a number of languages and served five years with the U.S. Army, translating French into English in Paris, during World War II. \r\nFollowing the war he attended Stewart Technical School in New York, graduating in 1950.He then worked 30 years as a machinist with Standard Tool and Manufacturing Co. in Lyndhurst, NJ, until his retirement in 1980.\r\nJohn married MaryJane (Tibbitts) Wendt on October 18, 1983 in Eau Claire.\r\nHe was an avid reader, traveled through most of the United States, and especially enjoyed his fishing trips to northern Wisconsin with his longtime friend, Dr. George McAfee. \r\nHe is survived by his wife, MaryJane; two nephews, David (Bonnie) Tibbitts and Thomas (Shirley) Tibbitts; a niece, Susan (Nathan Green) Colburn all of Eau Claire; great niece, Tara (Gary) Stinson of Rice Lake and their three daughters; special cousin, Robert (Terri) McDermott of Gales Ferry, CT, and their four children.\r\nJohn was preceded in death by his parents; and his step-mother, Ann (Casey) Strauss\r\nFuneral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, October 22, 2005, at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home with Father Edmund Klimek officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Family and friends may call one hour prior to services Saturday at the funeral home.\r\nFamily requests memorials please be directed to Northwest Wisconsin Homecare Hospice, P.O. Box 2060, Eau Claire, WI 54702, or the donors choice.\r\n \r\n

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