John Godfrey Struchen

STRUCHEN, JOHN G. of San Clemente passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 13, 2016. He was born on August 29, 1925 in Hollywood, California and moved to Beverly Hills in 1938. He graduated from Beverly Hills High School and then from the University of Southern California and taught for the LA city schools. He married Dorothy Beebe in 1946 and celebrated 54 years together before her passing in 2000. He joined the Army Air Force in 1943 and after the war remained in the reserves. In 1950 he was recalled because of the Korean War and flew 69 missions. Since he enjoyed flying he remained in the Air Force for 25 years and retired in 1968. After retirement he flew for five corporations and finally fully retired in 1988. He was an avid golfer and moved from his home on Balboa Island to Palm Desert so he could golf every day. After his wife’s passing, he then moved to San Clemente in 2001 to be closer to his daughters. He was always active with the Presbyterian Church wherever he lived, and San Clemente Presbyterian was his last home church. He was also an active member of many Civic Clubs starting from the 20-30 Club in Angeles Mesa, Kiwanis, Elks, Rotary, Retired Military Officers of America, Air Force Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and the Quiet Birdmen. He is survived by his sister Maeann Garty of San Diego, his two daughters, Cathy Estanislau and Christine McMichael, his five grandchildren: Lisa Taylor, Brian Struchen, Brooke Luong, Lauren McMichael and Steven McMichael and his great-granddaughter Kassidy Luong. His “Celebration of Life” will be on Sunday, February 28th at 2:00 PM at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona Del Mar. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Heart Association.