John Edward Struemke, age 72 of Hudson, WI, formerly of River Falls, WI, passed away January 27, 2020 at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. John was born February 12, 1947 in River Falls, WI to Orville and Edythe (Retzell) Struemke. He graduated from LaCrosse High School, with the Class of 1965. He was united in marriage to Deanna Parish on February 11, 1967 at Ezekiel Lutheran Church in River Falls. Their lives were blessed with 2 daughters, Faye and Tracy. In his earlier years, John farmed on the University of Wisconsin – River Falls farm. He then began his career in trucking as a driver for Glendenning and later Yellow Freight, retiring in 2004.

John enjoyed competing in local tractor and truck pulls, with a special admiration for Allis-Chalmers and his Chevy trucks. He loved working on and repairing cars, engines, lawn tractors, and anything mechanical he could get his hands on. Although he had a tough exterior, he had a heart of gold and would go out of his way to help anyone. He always looked forward to his time socializing at his daily coffee hours at the TA Truck Stop, Denny’s and Perkins. He was known to be a clever jokester, who enjoyed working on crossword puzzles, and bringing smiles to all the wait staffs faces. John was most proud of his family, and treasured his time with his grandchildren.

John will remain in the hearts of his daughters, Faye (Scott) Sarvela and Tracy (Michael) Williams; grandchildren, Skylar, Seth, and Shae Sarvela, Chelsey Struemke, Ashley (Jacob) Johnson, Lyndsey Cribbs (Josh Borash), Tom (Amber) Cable, Holly (Brady) Thompson, and Jacob (Bonnie) Williams; great-grandchildren, Emma, Josiah, Olivia, Jaxson, Rylee, Lorleli, Amelia, Logan, and Mason; siblings, Dave (Debbie) Struemke, Charlene (Mike) Auchampach, Chuck (Ricki) Struemke, Doug (Cheryl) Struemke, and Elaine (Paul) Deal; as well as many nieces, nephews, and his godchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Edythe; sister, Charlotte Penfold; nephew, Mike Auchampach; and great-nephew, James Tilson.

A Visitation will be held 5:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday, January 30, 2020 at the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home, 225 South 3rd St., River Falls, and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Funeral Services will take place 11:00 AM Friday, January 31, 2020 at O’Connell-Benedict Funeral Home in River Falls. Interment will take place at the Warren Cemetery in Roberts, WI. A luncheon reception will follow. Pallbearers assisting with the services will be: LeRoy Peck, Jeremy Struemke, Jason Auchampach, John Struemke, Clint Johnson, Greg Deal, and Tom Frederick.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of River Falls (715) 425-5644. www.oconnellfuneralservices.com