Arlene Struck

Arlene Vangsness Struck, 87, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Samaritan Bethany. Arlene was born February 19, 1929 to Henry and Myrtle (Pearson) Vangsness in Minot, ND. She moved with her family to Belle Creek township in Goodhue County. She graduated from Wanamingo High School in 1947 and from the Kahler School of Nursing in March of 1951. Arlene worked at Mayo Hospitals. She married Norman Struck in September 1954 at the Minneola Lutheran Church. In 1971 they moved to Columbus, Nebraska, where she was employed at the Platte College school of nursing until 1981. Arlene went on to graduate from Kearney State College in 1981 with her Masters in Nursing. Arlene and Norman moved back to Rochester in 1981 where Arlene was employed by Mayo hospital for 10 years. Arlene was an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Forever 40 and served as Board of Directors at Samaritan Bethany Nursing Home for 9 years. She loved gardening, cake decorating, making beautiful quilts, canning and reading. Arlene and Norman loved to travel and took many trips around the United States numerous destinations.Arlene was very giving of her talents and spent many hours making quilts to be given away to others in need. Arlene loved being a nurse, teaching others but mostly loved taking care of others. She held a high standard in life, was very loving with a beautiful smile. Arlene is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Norman; children, Jeffrey (Margaret) of David City, NE, David of Minnetonka, MN, Jan (Sarah) of Orono, MN; 4 grandchildren, Jessica (Nolan) Samek of David City, NE, Jedediah (Katie) Struck of Lincoln, NE, Lars Struck of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Eli Struck of Orono, MN; great-grandchildren, Emma, Willa and Leo Samek and Jayden Velazquez and 3 brothers, Charles Vangsness, Arvid Vangsness and Vernon Vangsness. Arlene was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Doris Kyllo and Clarice Cardinal. A funeral service will be held 11:00AM Thursday, February 25, 2016 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1212 12th Ave. NW, Rochester. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00PM Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. The Rev. Charles Ortloff will be officiating with burial at Pleasant Prairie Cemetery.To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com