Charles E. Straka's Obituary
Charles Edward Straka, age 88, of Elyria, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Fairview Hospital.
Charles was born in Scranton, PA to Andrew Straka and Catherine (nee McAndrew).
He was a resident of Elyria for the past 10 years, after moving from North Ridgeville, where he lived since 1968.
Charles worked as a machinist for General Motors and Terex for over 35 years, before retiring in the early 1990’s.
He was a US Army Veteran, member of the Knights of Columbus, and member of the South Cuyahoga Sportsman Club.
In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching Netflix, tinkering, bowling, swimming, golfing, eating ice cream, and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife Nancy, son Brian (Lynn) Straka, daughters Sherri (Dan) Stimmel, Terri (Hayden) Wellman, Jodi (Mike) Rose, and Jennifer (Jerry) Meehan, grandchildren Zachery, Tyler (Brittney), Kaylee, Maggie, Caitlyn, Carleen, and Isabella, great-grandchildren Aubrie and Kaison, brother Andrew (Gertrude) Straka, and an Uncle and “Grandpa” to many.
Charles was preceded in death by his father Andrew Straka, mother Catherine Tarnowski, and stepfather Edward Tarnowski.
Friends may call on Wednesday, September 17th, from 3pm to 6pm at Bogner Family Funeral 36625 Center Ridge Rd. North Ridgeville, OH 44039. There will be a funeral mass for Charles on Thursday, September 18th at St. Peter Church 35777 Center Ridge Rd. North Ridgeville, OH 44039, beginning at 11am, please meet at church. Fr. Isidore Munishi will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ohio Wildlife Center https://ohiowildlifecenter.org/donate/
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