Herbert Michael Straub, 83, (known as Herb to his military buddies and Michael, or Mike, to his family and civilian friends) of Lafayette, passed away Thursday, November 23, 2023, at IU Health Arnett.

He was born September 23, 1940, in Lafayette to the late Raymond Herbert and Vera Martha (Criswell) Straub. He was a 1957 graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School and earned his Associate Degree in Licensed Practical Nursing from Indiana Vocational Technical College, now known as Ivy Tech. Herbert worked as an LPN at many places throughout the Lafayette area, including the Indiana Veterans Home. He also worked as an EMT and Paramedic for Home Hospital. Herbert served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1960 – 1964, as well as having served in the Indiana National Guard and the United States Army.  On March 16, 1981, he married Jerry Lea Gaska, who survives him.

He was a regular at the VFW, and kept active with many hobbies throughout his life, including fishing, hunting, reading, and was an avid gardener. He enjoyed collecting knives, rifles, and black powder weapons. He loved animals and was devoted to his many cats throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife, Jerry Gaska-Straub; 2 daughters, Heidi North (Erric Chappell) of Russellville and Wilma Lorraine “Lori” Straub of Lafayette; and a sister, Patricia (Guy) Vining of WI. He was grandfather to Toby, Gavin, and Olivia North, and particularly doted on his grandcat Howie.

Memorial contributions in Herbert’s name may be given to Natalie Second Chance, 10 South 16^th Street, Lafayette, IN 47905 or at https://www.nataliessecondchance.org/donate-volunteer or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or at www.cancer.org.

A memorial service for Herbert will be held in the Spring.