Former home builder Gerald ‘Jerry’ Strug is laid to rest here

GERALD “JERRY” STRUG, an engineer and former New Orleans home builder, died on May 24 in his adopted home of Dallas, peacefully surrounded by family. He was 98 years old.

GERALD “JERRY” STRUG

Strug was born in Bogalusa and lived his early years there with family before graduating with a bachelor degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech. He served in the US Army Corps of Engineers from 1950-1952 and was stationed in the Philippines and attached to the 29th Engineering Battalion during the Korean War. Strug wore his Veterans cap on a constant basis for the remainder of his life.

He met the love of his life, Yvonne Yuspeh, who was then a student at Newcomb College. After only four dates, they elected to get married, which they did in 1954. The two moved into the Newcomb College Married Students Dorm at the start of their marriage.

Strug then worked for several engineers before landing a job with J. Ray McDermott, where he was employed for nine years.

He resigned from the firm after founding Gerald Builders, a home building company that he and his wife ran with her as a partner, interior designer and sales assistant.

Strug was honored to be the supervisor on the construction of the first Habitat for Humanity home built in New Orleans. He served as presidents for both the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans and the Louisiana Home Builders Association.

A proud member of the Jewish community, he also served on the board of Temple Sinai.

After losing their home to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the Strugs moved to Dallas to be closer to their daughter and her family. 

Strug quickly found other evacuees from New Orleans who had similarly relocated. He was the social coordinator for the NOMADS (New Orleans Men At Dining),  which was also known as the ROMEOS (Really Old Men Eating Out).

He was predeceased by his loving wife of over 51 years, Yvonne Yuspeh Strug, in December of 2005. He is survived by his daughter Susan Kottwitz and son-in-law Michael Kottwitz and a granddaughter as well as a longtime friend and loving companion, Phyllis Scharff Stern.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcomed to Susan G. Komen  or Temple Sinai. A graveside funeral was held on Thursday, May 28 at 11 a.m. at Hebrew Rest Cemetery.