Obituaries : Kenneth Earl Struve

Kenneth Earl  Struve, age 85, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025 at the Virginia Gay Hospital Nursing & Rehab in Vinton from complications of melanoma cancer.  Family and friends may call from 9:00-11:30am at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton on Saturday, July 12th.  Memorial services will be held afterwards at 11:30, also at the Wesley United Methodist Church with a luncheon to follow.  Graveside services will be held at a later date with the immediate family.

Ken was born in Vinton, Iowa on May 18, 1940, the son of Frank and Ruby (Byous) Struve.  He received his education from the Vinton School System and graduated in 1959.  On September 16, 1961 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Darlene M. Lewis, in Vinton.  He worked at Rockwell Collins for 42 years.  After retiring he was the go-to-guy for helping out as needed with grandchildren and friends.  He was a member of the Wesley Methodist Church for 47 years.  

Ken was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He loved watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participate in activities and sporting events.  He was known as Grandpa Struve to many of his grandchildren's classmates.  He was always willing to help his family and friends in any way he could.  Ken was a people person and liked talking.  He took pleasure in making friends with strangers he encountered at ball games and the kids' activities.  He and his wife, Darlene, also enjoyed spending time at their cabin on Holiday Lake with all of their family and friends.  

Ken is survived by his daughter Shirale (husband John) Hanson and son Jim (wife Jill) Struve all of Vinton; grandchildren Andy (wife Emerald) of Columbus, OH, Rob (wife Emily) of Garrison, IA,  and Kate (husband Jake) Stodola of Mission, KS; Carson Struve of Vinton, Kacie (husband Max) Griffith of Williamsburg, IA, and Nathan (fiancee Jamie Thompson) Struve of Minneapolis, MN; great-grandchildren Tate, Elliot, and expected baby Hanson in August; brother-in-law Lloyd Lewis of Cedar Rapids, IA; sister-in-law, Donna Higgins of Mt. Auburn, IA and many nieces and nephews.  

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Betty (husband Dean) Grimm, and Bernice (husband Robert) Rhoads; brothers Weldon (wife Janette), Glen (wife Hannah), and infant brother Roger; brother-in-law Roger Higgins, and sister-in-law Donna Lewis  

In lieu of flowers, a Memorial Fund has been established.  Condolences may be left at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com