Frank Struchen, age 87 of Early, IA, passed away at his home on Monday, May 15, 2023. Frank Thomas Struchen was born on June 7, 1935, to parents Lester and Edith (Kelley) Struchen on a farm in Early. He was baptized and confirmed at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early and attended Sacred Heart Catholic School. Frank graduated in 1953 and furthered his education by attending St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN, for accounting. While in college, he joined the ROTC. After graduating from St. John’s, he joined the United States Army and was stationed in Lake Geneva, WI, where he served for two years. He was honorably discharged on September 20, 1959, having earned the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
After serving in the Army, Frank moved to Minneapolis, MN, and worked in the Hennepin County Auditor’s Office. In the early 1960’s, Frank decided to move back home to Early to farm. He met Donna Cecconi, the love of his life, through a friend. Frank and Donna were united in marriage on June 12, 1965, in Ottumwa, IA. This union was blessed with three children, Margaret, Tom, and Theresa. Together they raised their family in Early on a farm. Frank planted and harvested a lot of corn and beans over the years. His children have many memories of getting to ride alongside their dad in the tractors and combine during planting and harvest times. He retired from farming in the mid 1980’s and went to work for VT Industries in Holstein, IA, where he worked for over 20 years before retiring.
Frank and Donna were life-long members of Sacred Heart Church. Frank served as a Eucharistic Minister and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Frank and Donna took part in several card clubs together and absolutely loved dancing. They went to several area dance halls back in the day, the Cobblestone in Storm Lake, IA, being one of their favorites. Frank was a fabulous dancer; he was so smooth out on the dance floor. They both had a keen interest in politics and were active in the Democratic Party.
Frank was a soft spoken man and just a true gentleman. He was such an easy going guy who people enjoyed being around. He loved reading in his spare time and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. He followed them to Pasadena, CA, in 1956, to watch them play in the Rose Bowl. He followed every sport they played, whether on TV or in person.
He and Donna had always planned to travel after they retired. Sadly, Donna passed away in 2003. Frank and friend Joan Zubradt traveled together to Greece, South Africa, and made it to most of the states in the U.S. He also went to Ireland with his family. He loved seeing different places and exploring.
Above all, Frank was a family man. One who was always there for his family and friends. He cherished any and all time he was able to spend with them. His gentle smile and ways, along with his ‘Frank-isms’ will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his children, Margaret Struchen (Doug Adams) of Walnut Creek, CA, Tom (Kristin) Struchen of Raleigh, NC, and Theresa (Justin) Melohn of Newell, IA; grandchildren: Sam and Dylan Adams, Tate and Kendall Struchen, Michael, Andrew, and Avery Melohn; brother Ed (Bonnie) Struchen of Marble Falls, TX, sister Rosemary Clausen of Okoboji, IA; sisters-in-law Shirley Cecconi of Johnson City, TN, and Arlys Cecconi of Yorktown, VA; special friend Joan Zubradt of Early; many extended family members and friends.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Edith Struchen; wife Donna Struchen; and brothers-in-law Roger Clausen, Tony Cecconi, John Cecconi and sister-in-law Dawn Cecconi.
