Norman Struck

ROCHESTER, Minn. - Norman L. Struck, 91, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at Samaritan Bethany.

Norman was born April 25, 1925, in Rochester to Louis and Emma (Prigge) Struck. Norman spent a lot of time working on his family farm and helping the neighbors milk cows. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II, where he served as an MP on the POW trains out west. After the military, Norman worked at Rochester Sand and Gravel before becoming an over-the-road driver for Admiral Merchants for 29 years. Norman met the love of his life Arlene Vangsness on a blind date to a Gopher football game. They were married in September 1954 at Minneola Lutheran Church. In 1971, Arlene and Norman moved to Columbus before returning to Rochester in 1982. After Norman retired from over-the-road driving, he became a school bus driver. He loved the kids, chatting with bus-driver colleagues and the routes through the country roads. Norman and Arlene loved traveling to various destinations in the United States visiting many friends and family. They also loved spending weekends at their cabin in Wisconsin entertaining friends. Norman enjoyed watching television, especially the Gophers and the Twins, along with his love of playing cards. He had a great sense of humor with his stubborn German roots and was very proud of his family. He was an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, the Elks Lodge and American Legion.

Norman is survived by his children, Jeffrey (Margaret) of David City, David of Minnetonka, Minnesota, and Jan (Sarah) of Orono, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Jessica (Nolan) Samek of David City, Jedediah (Katie) Struck of Lincoln, Lars Struck of Los Angeles, California, and Eli Struck of Orono, Minnesota; and great-grandchildren, Emma, Willa and Leo Samek and Jayden Velazquez.

Norman was preceded in death by his loving wife, Arlene; brother, Willard; and parents, Louis and Emma.

A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 7, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1212 12th Ave. NW, in Rochester. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Friday at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, in Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. The Rev. Karna Hagen Moskalik will be officiating, with interment at Pleasant Prairie Cemetery.

To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.