Albert John Knies

Strauss, Jr.

Albert John Knies Strauss Jr., 88, of Keedysville, Maryland, went to join God in Heaven on Friday, November 13, 2026, following a long and valiant struggle with dementia. He passed away at home, surrounded by his family.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Albert and Marjorie Strauss, Albert grew up in Upper Montclair, New Jersey.

Being the tall, lanky guy that we have all known and loved, it was not surprising that he ran track in high school. He also played tennis, but he admits that he wasn't that great at it.

Albert developed an early interest in music, playing bass, guitar, and accordion. During high school, he played bass with the Melodiers, a band that performed at local high school dances, country club events, and other venues.

Albert attended the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, where he completed his undergraduate education and subsequently earned his medical degree. During his undergraduate years, he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Raven Society. He continued his musical interests in college, where he also played bass in a band.

Following medical school, Albert completed his first year of pediatric residency at Duke University before returning to the University of Virginia, where he completed his residency training.

Following residency, Albert served for two years as a captain in the United States Air Force at Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, California, serving as a pediatrician to the military families on the base.

After being honorably discharged and moving to Hagerstown, Maryland, he joined the pediatric practice The Children's Doctor in July 1969. A highly respected physician, he devoted more than 44 years to caring for generations of children and families in the Hagerstown community before retiring in November 2013. He was particularly skilled in caring for premature infants with special medical needs, and his expertise was frequently sought by fellow physicians.

Albert was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he never met a muskie that he didn't like.

Closer to home, Albert was an enthusiastic gardener and camper, two activities he and his wife, Kelli, particularly enjoyed together.

Albert was a true lover of poetry, an enthusiasm his wife, Kelli, did not entirely share. Knowing this, he had a particular talent for finding poems he thought she might appreciate—and more often than not, he was right.

Albert had a wide range of interests, from music and literature to tinkering for hours in his workroom. When it came to food, however, he was a man of decidedly simpler tastes. For years, his lunch at work alternated between a bologna and cheese sandwich and a cream cheese and olive sandwich. And when summer arrived, nothing could compete with a homegrown tomato and cheese sandwich—with plenty of mayonnaise, of course.

He is survived by his wife, Kelli; his son, John; and his three children from his previous marriage to Mary Maddry Strauss: Alexandra (David), Stephanie (Karl), and Albert III (Dana). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kurtis, Katherine, and Caroline Konrad; and Gretchen and Annika Preheim.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Marjorie Strauss, and his older sister, Virginia Strauss Peters.

A visitation will be held at Minnich Funeral Home on Wilson Boulevard in Hagerstown, Maryland, on Thursday, November 19, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 7:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Robert Ruggieri.

For those who would prefer to make a memorial donation rather than send flowers or plants, the following options are available:

• Hospice of Washington County: https://www.hospiceofwc.org/donate-now

• Humane Society of Washington County: https://hswcmd.networkforgood.com/

• Arbor Day Foundation: Memorial trees may be planted in Albert’s memory at https://shop.arborday.org/tree-dedication/trees-in-memory