Fred J. Strauss Jr., 79, of Hallettsville, TX, passed away on April 14, 2021.  He was born on September 16, 1941, to Fred Sr. and Julianne Hrncir Strauss.  Raised in Hallettsville, TX, where he graduated from Sacred Heart School.  He subsequently attended Texas A&M University and graduated from Southwest Texas State University, where he played football and obtained a degree in Biology.  As a teacher and coach, he inspired many students to excel to their fullest potential.  Ultimately, Fred found his calling in the pipeline industry, a job he took great pride in working his way to Pipeline Facility Manager.  Lifelong friendships and many great stories were formed from his early coaching days and his pipeline years.

Fred married Kathleen "Kay" Ahrens on February 27, 1965, and made lifelong friends in Port Lavaca, Bay City, and Hallettsville before retiring in Sublime, Texas.  Fred and Kay were married for 56 years, had many adventures, and raised two very successful children together.

Fred was happiest in the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He grew up hunting on the Navidad River.  His adventures later led to guiding in South Texas.  He hunted all over North America including Alaska, Colorado, and Canada always successfully adding another trophy to his collection.  He recently shared that his favorite hunt was in Montana when he brought home a trophy whitetail, bear, and elk all in one hunt.  Fred was known by many as "the legend".  He could shoot, kill, gig, and catch better than anyone around him.  He left many in awe and wonder as he always got the trophy bucks and the biggest fish, while others were standing in the exact same spots!!!

Following his retirement, Fred enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.  He passed on his love of the outdoors and sports to each of them.  He had a very competitive nature that was instilled in both his children and grandchildren.  He tried his best to never miss an event.  You would find "Papa" at every swim meet and football game.  He was always easy to spot in his red hat that he wore to every event.  After hitting his first jackpot, Fred and Kay loved spending free time at the casino playing slots and BINGO together.  Just like his hunting and fishing, Fred always had luck and was generous in sharing his winnings with his grandchildren.  He loved to reward them for all their successes.

Fred was very bountiful with his time and talents volunteering in the Catholic Church.  He started as an altar boy in his early years, served as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and Cantor, and was a team member and cook on numerous Men's ACTS retreats.  Fred was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.  He enjoyed cooking potatoes for many Sacred Heart Church Picnics.  His biggest passion was for the Sisters of the Incarnate Word in the Victoria diocese.  He served as an Associate Member for over 20 years, earning him the beloved nickname "Sister Fred"

Fred is survived by:  his wife Kay; son Capt. James ("Jimmy") Strauss, USN; daughter Laura Williams, PA-C & son-in-law Jason; his grandchildren, Hope, Conner, Casey, Reid, Justin, Colby, and Brendan; Sister, Mary Carol (Arlyn) Kloesel; brother Steve Strauss; Sister-in-laws, Elba Collins, Amy Zingery, Fran (Tom) Gore, Alice (Stephan) Young, Ann (John) Goodman, and Mary Griffin; Brother-in-laws, Bobby (Sharon) Ahrens and Paul (Patty) Ahrens along with many nephews, nieces, extended family members, and friends.

Fred was preceded in death by; his father Fred Sr., his mother Julianne Hrncir Strauss, and his brothers Dennis and Neil Strauss; Father and Mother-in-Law Bob and Polly Ahrens.

The family will host a Celebration of Life at the Sacred Heart Parish Family Center in Hallettsville, TX, at 2 pm, Sunday, April 18th, where all are invited to share memories and enjoy a family dinner.  Fred's family is requesting all in attendance wear "RED for FRED"! Honorary Pallbearers are Fred's grandchildren:  Hope, Conner, Reid, and Colby Williams and Casey, Justin, and Brendan Strauss.  The private family funeral service & burial will be at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to: Sisters of the Incarnate Word in Victoria, Texas, or Sacred Heart Catholic School Alumni Association in Hallettsville, Texas.