Roger Lee “Pete” Struve
March 26, 1938 – January 3, 2022
FAMILY SERVICES. Memorials are suggested to Golden Retriever Rescue in Nebraska.
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Roger Struve, Air Force Veteran and Department of Defense Civil Servant, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, January 3, 2022, at the age of 83. Born in Deshler, Nebraska, on March 26, 1938, also his mother’s birthday, to Edna and Walter Struve. Roger enjoyed playing football with the Deshler High School Dragons. He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a degree in Political Science in 1961 and went on to attend Wartburg Lutheran Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.
As the Viet Nam war escalated, Roger joined the U.S. Air Force. He left as a Captain after seven years of service. He worked as a computer systems programmer, analyst, and manager at Offutt AFB in 1971, serving in various roles until his retirement in 1999. During his working years Roger could be relied on to fix whatever household mishap occurred, assist his elder daughter Laura’s swim team, and serve as chauffeur and audience for his younger daughter Ellen’s flute performances. He also enjoyed building and flying radio-controlled model airplanes, often bringing them home in one piece.
Within days of his retirement, Roger and wife, Carol, moved to Estes Park, Colorado, where they relished picnics in Rocky Mountain National Park, many wildlife sightings, and their mountain friendships. While living in Estes for 17 years, Roger helped restore an antique wooden hay stacking machine for the historic McGregor Cattle Ranch, volunteered at the hospital thrift store, and was an unpaid “go-fer” for Carol’s quilting groups.
Old age and the joys of living near children and grandchildren drew the Struves back to Omaha in 2017. Roger is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carol; daughters, Laura Engel (Josh) and Ellen Pike (Kevin); grandchildren: Reese Pike, Edward Pike, Jocelyn Engel, and Ivy Engel; sister, Miriam Howard.
Roger and his family are especially grateful to all his caregivers and medical professionals.
8 Comments
Carol and family, we are so sorry to learn of Roger’s passing. He was such a nice gentleman who had many interests. He was a good soul. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol,
I saw Pete’s obituary in today’s paper and I am so sorry. Please extend my sympathy to Laura and Ellen.
Someone who shared so much of life with you will forever be a part of you, Keeping you in my prayers as you remember Roger.
Roger was a gentle, quiet person with a hidden intellect, loved by all, including his golden retriever(s). Carol, you were a consummate care-giver for Roger.
Steve Skinner
We were neighbors in Prairie Lane, catty-corner across the street, for 10 years. Our children were friends with Laura and Ellen. (Our daughter, Elizabeth, just sent us a photo of Ellen and herself with our kitties in the Ponca Hills. They were such good friends and we enjoyed Ellen, too.) We send you our sympathy, Carol and all your family. You were such delightful neighbors and we enjoyed talking with Roger whenever he was out in the yard..
Mr. Struve was such a kind gentleman. His commitment to life, family, and others did not go unnoticed by me. Roger seemed to have an inner tranquility that both baffled and impressed me.
Sending sincere sympathy to you, Carol and your family as you mourn Roger’s passing. My parents Ralph & Dorothy and my brother Jim enjoyed having you as their neighbors in Prairie Lane. My family went to Estes Park this summer and I thought of you and wondered if you still lived there. After reading his obituary I know you are back in Omaha. May warm memories comfort your family each day.
Carol and family,
So sorry to read about Roger’s passing in the Omaha World Herald. Being a distant relative who grew up with Roger in Deshler and then visiting you often in Estes Park am acquainted with his high intellect and his love for the Golden Retrievers and a myriad of other commendable attributes of Roger. His family was highly thought of in Deshler . . Carol, I remember you as a very effective teacher in Omaha. and a lover of quilting. May God grant you all His peace as you keep the song of Rogr’s life alive in your memories. Blessings to all of you Sharon Struve
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