Carl Eston Strain

Carl Eston Strain died peacefully on Dec. 17, 2023, at the age of 96 with family by his side.

This longtime resident of Munster was born Jan. 12, 1927, in Greencastle to Gladys Kersey Strain and James Franklin Strain and grew up on the Strain apple orchard and dairy farm.

Drafted into the army in 1945 after graduating from Greencastle High School, Carl served overseas at the close of World War II.

The G.I. Bill saw him through a Bachelor of Science in agriculture at Purdue University, after which he became a dairy farmer. He later went on to work at IBM in Greencastle and Stauffer Chemical in Chicago Heights, Ill.

Among the things he was most proud of include integrating the Putnam County Home Economics choir and directing many other integrated choirs throughout his life; singing in the 3-in-1 Quartet; advocating for and designing the landscaping of the Putnam County Courthouse; presiding over and editing the newsletter for the OCAW Local 7-765 union; and being first lead carpenter and project manager for the Northwest Indiana Habitat for Humanity. He could build anything he put his mind to and was always looking for new ways to serve.

He loved to sing, travel, garden, write letters, explore genealogy, camp and canoe and make friends wherever he went. He enjoyed spending time with his extensive five-generation family. He will be sorely missed by family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Verdeen Trautman Strain, and seven adult children and stepchildren, Susan Strain Glaser (Alan), Justice Saint Rain (Karen), Melodie Strain Taylor, Brenda Strain Stone (David), Kathleen Strain, Judson Strain (Kelley) and Liz Saint Rain (Michael). He is also survived by his sister, Mary June Strain Ross; brother Edwin Strain; 19 grandchildren, as well as many great- and great-great-grandchildren.

Carl was preceded in death by his son, Carl “C” Strain; his daughter, Francel Strain; and his brothers, Isaac Strain and Robert Strain.

Funeral service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Munster on Jan. 21. Visitation will begin at 2:30 p.m. Central Standard Time with service to follow.