Kenneth “Whitey' Joseph Struckhoff, 81, of Grinnell, died Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at Salina Regional Health Center.
He was born October 8, 1938, in Grinnell, KS, to Aloys and Regina (Ballmann) Struckhoff. Whitey was a 1956 graduate of Grinnell High School. Following high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Army stationed in Germany from 1958-1960. Upon returning home, Whitey worked for Struckhoff & Sons well drilling business. He later was self-employed and was a rancher and farmer until he retired. On July 16, 1963, he married Janet Kruse in Angelus, KS. From this union, came six children and fifteen grandchildren who he loved and adored. “Papa” loved to tease and had a special nickname for each of his grandchildren. When he wasn’t tinkering in the garage inventing something new, he took great joy in spending time with his kids and grandkids doing what he loved most-- golfing, fishing, hunting, camping and boating, cheering on the Chiefs, and sitting on the patio grilling a good steak. Whitey also had a great love for his church and community. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Grinnell and a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Whitey was committed to promoting the spirit of community. He was a founder of the annual Grinnell After Harvest Festival and the Cow Paddy Golf Course. He loved to be involved and had a special way of inspiring others to do the same.
Whitey was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Katherine Lang, and siblings: Raymond Struckhoff, Fred Struckhoff, Charles Struckhoff, Sr. Kenneth Struckhoff, Bernice Hansen and Fritz Ostmeyer.
He is survived by his wife Janet and children: Monique O’Grady, Melissa (John) Kuhlman, Kim (David) Lampe, Karla (Roger) Bixenman, Stacey (John) Lang, and Tony (Nicole) Struckhoff; sister Rita Hitt; grandchildren: Shawn O’Grady, Jenna O’Grady, Ryan O’Grady, Gabrielle (Kinsly) Kroetsch, Eli Kuhlman, Rachael (Hunter) Hewitt, Joseph Lampe, Ben Lampe, Nicholas (Whitney) Lampe, Shane Bixenman, Derek Bixenman, Eleanor Lang, Lucas Lang, Aleah Struckhoff, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center, Grinnell from 5:00-7:00 pm. A vigil will follow at 7:00 pm. The funeral Mass is at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 24, 2020, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Grinnell. Final resting place will be in the Immaculate Conception Church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Cow Paddy Golf Course or the Grinnell/ Angelus Area Heritage Center and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com