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Paul Struck, 78, of Cherokee passed away Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at Cherokee Specialty Care.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Cherokee. Pastor Philip Beisswenger will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date. Visitation with the family present will be held on Friday, Jan. 10, from 4-6 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Paul’s name to be used for future projects that were important to Paul. Greenwood-Schubert Funeral Home in Cherokee is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.greenwoodfuneral.com.
Paul Richard Struck, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend, was born July 1, 1946, to Raymond and Helen (Thompson) Struck in Emmetsburg. Paul attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Storm Lake from elementary to high school, graduating in 1964. He then attended Wayne State College for one year before transferring to Buena Vista College, where he graduated in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in English and physical education.
Paul was united in marriage to Linda Wilkie. To this union, Adam and Abby were born. They later divorced. He was united in marriage to Darla Nibbelink Aug. 11, 1990, under the Iowa State Campanile in Ames. To this union they welcomed their son, Alexander, and adopted their daughter, Alisanne.
Paul worked as a police dispatcher for the Cherokee police station. He also worked as a salesman for Larry’s Clothing and Grundman Hicks Farm Buildings for several years. He would continue to write for the Daily Times, where he would meet his wife Darla, The Sioux City Journal and co-owned the Chronicle Times with his nephew Troy Valentine.
An accomplished editor and journalist, Paul dedicated several decades to his profession in Cherokee, where he made a significant impact through his work. He was particularly known for his editorial column, “Struck Strikes Out,” which provided not only entertainment but also prompted conversations, laughter and sometimes a touch of controversy — something Paul embraced with pride. His insightful and engaging writing earned him numerous awards throughout his career, reflecting his commitment to journalistic excellence.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul was passionate about sports and music. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and New York Yankees. Paul also enjoyed playing golf and tennis, and in his younger years, he was an avid fast pitch softball player. A talented musician, he played the guitar, harmonica and drums, sharing his love for music through singing and performance.
Paul's greatest joy, however, came from being with his family and friends. He was immensely proud of their achievements and took great pleasure in attending his children’s events. He often remarked on how lucky he felt to be a part of such a wonderful family.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife Darla Struck of Cherokee; his children: Adam (Kelsey) Struck of Holstein along with their children Jackson, Noah, Avery and Presley; Abby (Mike) Davison and their children Emmalyn and Quinnly of Council Bluffs; Alex (Megan) Struck of Hinton; and Alisanne (Austin Barth) Struck of Sioux City.
He also leaves behind his siblings: Alice Anne Sanchez of Golden, Colo.; Karen (Denny) Fay of Churdan; Marilyn Steinkamp of Derby, Kan.; Fran Proczak of Storm Lake; Giles (Jan) Struck of Omaha, Neb.; John (Marsha) Struck of Cedar Falls; Ronnie (Denise) Struck of Storm Lake; and Mark (DeAnna) Struck of Council Bluffs; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Helen Struck; father-in-law Keith Nibbelink; his sister Jeanine Valentine; granddaughter Lucy Davison; brothers-in-law: Troy Valentine Sr., Danny Steinkamp and Bernie Proczak; sister-in-law Karen Nibbelink; nephew Shane Steinkamp; and one niece, Teresa Lamoureux.
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