Winfred “Fred” L. Straub, 89, of Central City, was called to his eternal home on June 24, 2026, at Edgewood Vista Assisted Living in Spearfish, following a life marked by deep devotion to his faith, family, and community.

Fred was born on September 19, 1936, in Milton, Pennsylvania. He spent his early years farming and ranching in Pennsylvania and Iowa before his family settled in Buffalo & Nisland, SD area. He graduated from Belle Fourche High School in 1956 and entered the National Guard.

In 1959, Fred married Marlene Beringer at Grace Lutheran Church. Together, they built a life in Central City, where they raised their family and became deeply rooted in the community.

Fred worked for several years as the service manager at the Oldsmobile-Cadillac garage in Deadwood before he and Marlene opened a convenience store and auto repair shop in Central City, continuing his lifelong commitment to hard work and service. A man of many talents, he enjoyed restoring tractors, repairing cars, and flying as a licensed small-aircraft pilot, reflecting his love of travel. In retirement, he spent his years on the farm in Nisland, where he was blessed by the friendship and daily visits of his neighbors, the Jason Odekovan family.

A devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church, Fred served faithfully as an elder and lay minister. He was also active in the broader community, generously giving his time to the Days of '76 Committee, serving as chairman in 1979, serving as mayor on the Central City Town Board, and participating in the Terry Peak snowmobile group and Deadwood Jaycees. Above all, he will be remembered for his strong faith, kindness, generosity, and steady friendship.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife and parents. He is survived by his sisters, Gladys Cowley of Kettle Falls, Washington and Marjorie Stork of Rapid City, SD; his children, Timothy (Diana) Straub of Wasilla, Alaska; Marc (Wendy) Straub of Central City, SD; Sheila (David) Doe of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Brett (Deena) Straub of Wasilla, Alaska; and Lisa (Mike) Johnson of Spearfish, SD; as well as 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Grace Lutheran Church in Deadwood, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Mountain Lawn Cemetery in Lead.

Arrangements are under the care of Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com