Truman L. Struck, 93, of Libby

Truman Leonard Struck, 93, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, surrounded by three of his daughters. 

He was born Oct. 29, 1919, to Frank and Bertha Struck in Odessa Minn., the third of eight children.

He was raised on the Hi-Line of central Montana in Rudyard, graduating in the class of 1938. He attended Northern Montana College in Havre pursuing a teaching degree with a minors in music and art. His education was interrupted when he joined the U.S. Army. He served for three years in the Signal Corps on the east coast. While in officer-training school, he had a blind date with Jean Wolters from East Orange, N.J. They were married in November 1943. He was honorably discharged in September  1945 and returned west.

While living on the Hi-Line in Havre he had a house construction company with his brothers. In 1960, they moved to Kremlin after purchasing the local grocery store and ran the Struck’s Grocery. He also drove a  combine and tractor for local farmers during season, as well as other civic, church and business activities. 

In 1966, hoping to get work on the construction of the Libby Dam, he moved his family to Libby where he went to work at St. Regis Paper Co., driving a fork-lift in the plywood plant. He retired from that job in 1982 and enjoyed his retirement working in his beautiful yard on the Second Street Extension while operating a lawn-mowing service.

He and Jean were active in the Senior Citizens center where they played in the Kit Kat Band and helped with other chores. 

He was a member of the Cellar Dwellers Artist Group. He took great pride in being on the Board of the Community Health Center in its budding years. He was a dedicated member at St. John Lutheran Church for 46 years serving as trustee, elder, Lutheran Laymen League, Thrivent, Libby Care Center worship service, choir and congregation president. 

He pursued his love of teaching with art classes for the students of St. John Lutheran School, adult Bible class and Sunday school class. His musical career included more than 60 years of being involved by singing vocal and playing the drums in bands and small groups entertaining many over the years.

He is survived by his sister, Laverna McFadden of Lakeside, brother, Harold (Bettie) of Great Falls, and his sisters-in-laws, Carol of Arizona and Betty of California. 

His six children are Kaye Fulcher and Barbara (Bill) Robbins of Kalispell, Will (Trish) of Kent Wash., Jan (Tom) Erickson of Libby, Marjorie (Rod) Clairmont of Milton Wash., and Tom (Marla) Auburn, Wash. 

Truman’s extended family includes 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Jean; brothers:

Lawrence, Dennis, George and Harley; and sister Dorothy; brother-in-law, Dean McFadden; and grandsons, Samuel Erickson and Jason Struck.

Memorials can be sent to St. John Lutheran Church 1012 Montana Ave. Libby or The Lutheran Hour.