Edwin J. "Ed" Struchen, a 67- year -old resident of Burley and longtime Mini-Cassia area businessman, died Saturday, Sept. 21. 2002, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born Sept. 9, 1935, in Wendell, Idaho, the son of Edwin P. and Mary Rausch Struchen.  Ed was raised in Rupert, where he attended Pershing Grade School and graduated from Rupert High School in 1954.  Following graduation, he worked at Food Land Grocery in Rupert, prior to serving his country in the United States Army.  He was stationed in Germany from 1956 until 1958.  Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Gloria Knopp on April 3, 1959, in Rupert.  Together, they raised their three children in the Burley area.

Ed started his working career as a young child at home, picking raspberries and dewberries to be sold for the family's groceries.  In addition to working at Food Land, Ed was employed at Harpster's Bakery,  delivering fresh baked goods to various stores and businesses that required him starting at 4:30 a.m.  In 1960, he became the manager of the Y-Dell Grocery Store.    In 1970, Ed became a business partner with his brother, John at J & J Office Supplies.  Ed later managed Southworth Discount Stationaries until the sudden closure presented him with the opportunity of opening Ed's Office Products, a successful business whichj he has operated for 20 years.  This business will continue to succeed by his faithful employees who will continue offering the same  special and loving service that Ed has given.

Ed was dedicated to the Mini-Cassia community.  He knew and realized the importance of local business to keep our community growing and healthy.  He was always willing to serve in whatever capacity  was needed.  He was a member of the Burley Rotary Club, the Burley Jaycees, the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce and the Burley  Area Merchant's Association.  Ed had served 17 years on the Pomerelle Ski Patrol, an association he loved.  Most recently he was a member of the Snake River Trail Rider's Association,  He also , was a member of the Burley Elks Lodge.

Ed loved his family! He enjoyed spending time with his wife and children and took great pride in their success and accomplishments.  He liked to ski, go camping, ride motor bikes and most recently had taken up four-wheeling.  His true dedication was to his coffee shop buddies.  He faithfully made arrangements to have their daily meetings at Price's Cafe.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Gloria Struchen of Burley; his children, Royce Kendall Struchen, Maria Gloria Spann and Merrill Blake Struchen all of Boise. his grandchildren, Kendall (Jennifer) Struchen, Jacqueline Spann, Kyle Struchen, Nathan Spann and Lily Struchen; one great-granddaughter, Aliza Struchen, and his sibblings, Ray (Karen) Struchen of Banning, Calif., John (Paula) Struchen of Heyburn, Norman (Sharon) Struchen of Pocatello. Maryetta Bell living in Mongolia, and Carl (Mary) Struchen living in Calif.

He was preceeded in death by his parents.

The funeral was held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2002, at the Burley First Presbyterian Church, 2100 Burton Avenue, with Pastor Brian Livermore, officiating. Interment was at Pleasant View Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Rasmussen Funeral Home.