John H. Struecker entered eternal rest with his Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, Missouri at the age of 94 years. Funeral services will be held 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Clinton, Missouri. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Lutheran Hour and may be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

John was born on July 4, 1920 in Fenton, Iowa, to Herman and Katie Eimers Struecker. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Fenton, Iowa. He worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the Army Air Force on October 19, 1942. John was stationed in England and France during WWII as a sheet metal repairman on P-47 fighter planes. He was involved in the battles at Normandy and Ardennes and received the Bronze Star as well as other medals. He was honorable discharged December 12, 1945.

John married Dawn Vaudt on July 4, 1943 in Whittemore, Iowa. After discharge from the military, they raised crops and livestock on their farm north of Fenton, Iowa. He started farming with his team of horses "Barney and Nancy" and two John Deere tractors. He shelled ear corn and trucked it to the elevator for area farmers for almost 30 years.

John and Dawn moved to Windsor, Missouri in 1980. They had a cow-calf ranch and many special beagles and shih tzu dogs that brought them much enjoyment. He belonged to Lutheran churches in Warsaw and Clinton. He served in many capacities in the church and loved to sing in the choir, and read to people in the rest home in Clinton.

In 1997, John and Dawn moved into Clinton, Missouri. John enjoyed traveling across the U.S. and Canada. His travel interest took him to many countries in Europe, the Panama Canal, Galapagos Islands, and Egypt. He had fond memories of all the friends he met.

Survivors include two sons, Tim and Diane Struecker of Algona, Iowa and Tom and Hollee Struecker of Fenton, Iowa, grandchildren; Michele and Keith Espe of Lone Rock, Iowa, Sarah Struecker of Kansas City, Missouri, Nathan and Danelle Struecker of Fenton, Iowa, Thad and Lindsay Struecker of Algona, Iowa, Micaya and Dallas Wiener of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and eight great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Lucille Nelsen of Ringsted, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his wife Dawn of 54 years, his parents, and six brothers and sisters.

Services are under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.