Theodore R. Struck, 88, of Morris, passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon, Jan. 13, 2011, at home with his loving family by his side.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 17, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Rev. Ed Howe C.R. will officiate.
Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, at Fruland Funeral Home, 121 W. Jefferson St., in Morris.
Military honors will be provided by the Morris Color Guard.
Born Oct. 6, 1922, in Morris, Theodore was the son of John and Anna (Potguina) Struck. He received his education at Immaculate Conception School.
Ted married Esther Myers on Nov. 29, 1947, at Immaculate Conception Church. They lived all of their married life in Morris. For more than 40 years, he was employed at Self Locking Corporation, where he was a die maker. He also served as president of the labor union for more than 25 years.
Ted served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a decorated veteran, receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Esther; one son, Teddy (Jean) Struck of Morris; two daughters, Debbie (Bob) Roth of Morris and Patti (Marc) Parnell of El Dorado, Ark.; six grandchildren, Erika (Christopher) James, Jarod (Cheris) Struck, Rob (Jenni) Roth, Ryan (Meggan) Roth, Jason (Michael) Parnell and Amy Parnell; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, John Struck of Morris; two sisters, Bernice (Edward) Voss of Joliet, Ill., and Stella Burnetti of Joliet; and several nieces and nephews.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters.
Ted was an avid and lifelong golfer. He enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. He also enjoyed sitting in the sun, fishing at the end of Debbie and Bob’s pier. He held dear his membership and fellow golfers at Dwight Country Club.
Although unable to travel in recent years, Ted recalled with great fondness his trips to Arkansas. He treasured the friendships he made, and he was grateful for the many courtesies shown to him by the members of the El Dorado Golf and Country Club, especially Club Manager Ronnie Hughes and Golf Professional Tim Zimmerebner.
His grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Dave Maskel, Ernie Pierard and Donald Farmer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Immaculate Conception Building Fund.
For more information, call (815) 942-0700 or sign the private online guestbook at www.frulandfuneral home.com.