Kim Evan Strauss

Kim Evan Strauss, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and Mayor of LaGrange, Ohio, passed away peacefully with his family and friends at his side on February 19th, 2023 at 69 years old. Born on December 17, 1953, to Vince and Gladys (Stang) Strauss, Kim lived a full and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, passion, and dedication to his community.

Kim was born and grew up in Amherst, Ohio, where he graduated from Marion L Steele High school in 1972. He went on to attend Oklahoma Farriers College in Sperry, Oklahoma, and graduated in 1974. Kim showed horses and won numerous national championships. He then moved on to the American Paint Horse association. He built cars as K&M Automotive and enjoyed racing at Norwalk Raceway Park with his brother, Jay Strauss.

On February 19th, 1983, Kim married the love of his life Marie (Short) at St Paul Lutheran Church in Amherst, Ohio and just celebrated 40 amazing and beautiful years of marriage with his wife at his side.

On October 15th, 1988 his “Sweetie” Amanda was born. Kim worked for Burnett Septic Service prior to opening Village Gift and Floral in LaGrange with his wife. He also started his adventure as a travel agent with My Travel Elf, specializing in Disney vacations and eventually cruises. Outside of his ambitious work ethic and commitment to his jobs, he was also a very avid Disney Fanatic. Kim’s love for Disney and cruising was immense, having visited Disney over 20 times and becoming a proud Platinum cruiser of the Carnival Cruise line. Kim finished out his work career at Grey Hawk Golf Club and the Nest Restaurant.

During his time as mayor, Kim accomplished many things. In cooperation with the LaGrange Township Trustees, he was instrumental in the acquisition and development of the land that would become the LaGrange Community Park. He facilitated the development of Opportunity Way. He provided leadership in the acquisition and development of the former Keystone High School, which now serves as the Village Hall and as a facility for local group gatherings and non-profit organizations. These were only a few of the many accomplishments but serve as those he was most proud of.

Kim is survived by his wife Marie; daughter Amanda and son-in-law Jason Loyer; brother, Jay (Gwyn) Strauss; nieces Pam (Ken Campana) Strauss, Nicole (Korey) McDonald, and Ashley Strauss; nephews Jon Strauss, Brandon (Selina) King, and Geramy Detwiler; mother-in-law, Mauren Weikel; father-in-law Frank Short; sister-in-laws Julie (Ray Mass) Detwiler, Nancy (JC) Tucker, and Margo Zatyko. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vince and Gladys Strauss, brother Mark Strauss, and sister-in-law Carol Hrivnak.

Kim and his family would like to thank University Hospital St John West Shore ICU, Hospice of the Western Reserve, Tricia Ferrell RN, Dr. Melinda Hsu, Dr. Roger Ove, Marilyn Plachta RN, all of the Seidman Cancer center staff, Dr. Mushtaq Mahmood, Grey Hawk Golf Club, The Nest Restaurant, and LaGrange Keystone Pointe Health & Rehab for their love, support, and care.

The Mayor himself wanted to personally thank each and every Resident of the Village of LaGrange for putting their trust in him during his 24 year tenure as mayor. It was his honor and privilege to serve you.

Kim’s dedication to his community and his love for his family will always be remembered. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The family will receive friends at the LaGrange Village Hall 301 Liberty Street LaGrange, OH on Thursday February 23rd 2023 from 3pm to 7pm where a celebration of Kim’s life will be held on Friday February 24th 2023 at 11am. Reverend Chuck Behrens will officiate. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to Achieve Credit Union 546 North Center Street LaGrange, OH 44050 for a trade scholarship to be established in Kim’s memory. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to The Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home of Elyria (440)322-4626. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com