James Edward Struewing, age 88, of Batesville, Indiana passed away Monday, May 22, 2017 at Community Hospital South in Indianapolis, Indiana. Born on August 25, 1928 in Morris, Indiana he was the son of George and Estella (nee: Grunkemeyer) Struewing. He married Kathleen Joan Etter on May 30, 1953 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville.
Jim graduated from St. Anthony Catholic Grade School in Morris, Indiana and then Batesville High School in 1946. He went on to serve in the US Army. After serving in the army, Jim worked for the US Postal Service for many years until his retirement. That didn’t last for long as he went on to work for the Office Shop and then Tri-County Financial until the age of 80. Jim was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Council #1461 and the VFW Post #3183.
Jim was a huge baseball fan and he was a loyal Cincinnati Reds follower. He was an umpire for little league baseball for many years. He and his wife Kathleen enjoyed traveling and heading out west was a favorite of theirs. Jim had a special place in his heart for all patriotic events and military service members, especially for those veterans who served during war time. He really loved his grandchildren, spending time with them and attending many of their events and activities. Jim will truly be missed by his family.
Jim had a joyful nature and warm smile, always treating people with dignity and respect. He was a patient man and rarely complained, even after being diagnosed with ALS. When asked about living with the disease he said “If you ever feel down, think of the people who have it worse than you.”
He is survived by his two daughters, Janice Grieshop and Linda (Jim) Keller; two sons, Tom (Sandy) Struewing and Bob Struewing; and five grandchildren, Kelly (Louie) Stephon, Katelin Keller, Allison Keller, Jana (Eric) Leber and Kaylee Struewing; two great grandchildren, Lucas and Grace Stephon; and his brother Herman “Ham” Struewing and sister Pat Grieshop.
In addition to his wife (who passed away on May 28, 2010) and parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Dick Struewing.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 25, 2017 from 4-8 p.m. at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville with rosary service at 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 26 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville with Fr. Stan Pondo officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by Batesville VFW Post #3183 and Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271.
Memorials may be given to the Indiana Chapter of the ALS Association or Batesville Parks and Recreation, c/o Meyers Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.meyersfuneralhomes.com