Date of Birth:
Saturday, January 27, 1917
Date of Death:
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Age:
93 years old

Elizabeth “Bette” Struve

Elizabeth Caroline Helen Albrecht Struve

Rochester- Elizabeth “Bette” Struve, 93, died April 28th at Samaritan Bethany Home on 8th peacefully surrounded by her family. Elizabeth, “Bette”, as she had been called since nursing years, was born to Wm. and Clara Albrecht in Mapleton, Mn. on January 27th, 1917.  She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mapleton.  She graduated from Mapleton High School with salutatorian honor in her class in 1935.  She graduated from the Kahler School of Nursing with an RN degree, practicing in Worrall Colonial and Methodist Hospital during the years of the Drs. Mayo!

She married Kenneth L. Struve from Stewartville, MN in 1939 settling in Rochester where Ken worked as a milkman for Marigold Dairy and she practiced nursing.  They were married for 52 years and had four children.  Ken and an associate started a paint and hardware store called Brumm and Struve, which later became Struve Paint Store.  Eventually Bette became the office manager and bookkeeper which she continued doing six days a week until the age of 91. She became a well-known figure at the store.  While raising her family she was a scout leader, and encouraged her children to participate in sports, and music.  She was an avid golfer, played bridge, and was active in her church, starting at Redeemer Lutheran in Rochester and eventually joining Trinity Lutheran.  She was active in the women’s groups and senior citizens noon lunch program.  Bette was a role model for all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her foundation in life was her faith, family, and work.

Bette was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth and brother Paul Albrecht.  She is survived by her daughter Sandra (DuWayne) Scharf of Rochester;  three sons,  Dr. James (Carolyn) Struve of Minneapolis; Dr. William (Sandra) Struve of Waterville; Bruce (Cheryl) Struve of Rochester; sister- in-law, Edith Albrecht;  thirteen grandchildren- Dr. Scott (Jennifer) Scharf of Plymouth; Steve Scharf  and Liz Scharff of Rochester; Emily (Chris) Woodall of St. Paul; Laura (Brad) Hanson of Minneapolis; Naomi Struve of Minneapolis; Dr. Matthew (Krista) Struve of Lindstrom; Amy (Dr. Shawn) Spoden of Sartel; Jesse (Beth) Struve of Golden Valley; Jennifer (Ned) Shuck of Cologne; Eric Struve of Minneapolis; Gretchen Struve of Madison, WI; Kristina Struve of Isaquah, WA;  and thirteen great- grandchildren.

A memorial service will be Monday, May 3, 2010 at 11:30 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, followed by a lunch at the church. Friends may also call one hour before  the service. A graveside service will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester at 9:30. Family and friends are welcome. There will be a visitation at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester on Sunday, May 2, 2010  from 3- 5pm.

Memorials may be given to Samaritan Bethany Home or Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester.

Online condolences are welcome at www.MackenFuneralHome.com