Alvin Strasburger Sr.

COLUMBIA - A memorial service for Alvin Strasburger, 91, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 19, 2015, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, with burial in the churchyard. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 18, 2015, at the family residence. Man of God, Husband, Father, Patriot, Businessman and friend to all who knew him, Mr. Strasburger died Tuesday, December 15, 2015. Born in Columbia, he was a son of Lafayette Strasburger and Augusta Brugeman Strasburger. Upon graduating from Dreher High and attending Clemson for one and a half years, Mr. Strasburger joined and served in the Army Air Corps for two and a half years. After flying 65 missions in the European theatre, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross and Distinguished Service Cross. Following his military career, he graduated with honors from Yale University, attended graduate school at Columbia University and returned to Columbia to marry Mary Alice Kohn, his wife of 67 years. Together with his father and brother he founded L. Strasburger and Sons, which operated in Columbia for 40 years. He was a longtime member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral where he served the Lord whenever called, including several terms on the vestry and as Senior Warden. Always active giving back to his community, he was involved in many organizations- as Chairman of the United Way of the Midlands, on the Board of the USC College of Arts and Sciences and as President of the Columbia Kiwanis Club, The Committee of 100 and The University Associates. Alvin’s many accomplishments pale when compared to his impact on every life he touched. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Alvin Strasburger Jr (Linda), August Kohn Strasburger (Coleen), David Lafayette Strasburger and Mary Dorita “Kyra Strasberg”; grandchildren, Erin Miller (Bryan), Alvin Strasburger III, Margot Lane Strasburger, Hunter Strasburger (Julia), Lauren Ward, Rachael Wall (John), Kyle Strasburger, Mary and Caroline Fern; great-grandchildren, Piper Wall and Ellis Strasburger; sister-in-law, Edith Strasburger; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, LeRoy Strasburger. The family would like to thank Eugene, Earnestine, Donna, Malik, other caregivers and professionals for their excellent care and support; and also offer heartfelt gratitude to Alvin’s many friends for their visits, support, friendship and love. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Trinity Foundation, c/o Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201 or to the charity of one’s choice.