Daniel Karl Struve

Daniel Karl Struve, PhD, age 70, passed away at home from complications of colon cancer on February 7, 2022. Dan was born in Madison, Wisconsin to Edward and Ruth (Krueger) Struve. A lifelong learner and dedicated horticulturist, Dan cultivated an appreciation and expertise in trees, especially in preserving native trees. He retired as professor emeritus in the Horticulture and Crop Science department at The Ohio State University, where he taught and conducted research for 31 years. At OSU, he authored over 100 publications, mentored graduate students and other tree enthusiasts, and was recognized for his pioneering research in plant propagation. He was active in professional organizations including the International Plant Propagator's Society, International Society of Aboriculture, and American Horticultural Society. Dan’s research took him to international sites including Kenya, China, Lebanon, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and to Guatemala with the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization. He took a sabbatical to do research at the University of Florence, Italy. For his work and service to the profession, he was recognized with awards, including the International Society of Arboriculture’s L. C. Chadwick Award for Arboriculture Research, the 2021 Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association’s Educator & Public Service Award, and the 2021 Chadwick Arboretum’s Aesculus Lifetime Achievement Award. By his own estimate, he has planted nearly 100,000 trees. Following his retirement from OSU, Dan founded QRS Trees Nursery, which he started with his wife, Kathy, daughter, Anne, and son-in-law, Terry. The nursery is in operation and specializes in locally-sourced native trees and shrubs. He continued service to the profession by active involvement as a commissioner with the Columbus Tree Commission, a member of the Lower Olentangy Urban Arboretum, and other organizations. Dan was a faithful member of North Broadway United Methodist Church for over 41 years. There, he served as an usher, trustee, and administrative board member; led youth groups; and belonged to the Serendipity and Forum Sunday school classes. Dan is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Katherine (Rockefeller) Struve; daughters Anne (Terry) Brinck and Laura Struve (Tony Gilharry); granddaughters Madison, Mackenzie, Morgan, Tegan Brinck, and Naomi Gilharry; brothers, Jim Struve and Mark (Janine) Struve; one niece, one nephew, and several cousins. In their 45 years together, Dan and Kathy enjoyed spending time together and pursuing shared interests such as gardening, international travel, baking, and hiking. Dan was a dedicated woodworker who refined his craft fulfilling furniture requests from his family. Dan will be remembered for his intellectual curiosity, quick wit, and loving nature. Dan loved to tell jokes and stories and once you befriended Dan, it was likely you would have a story about him to tell. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. A Celebration of Life will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 29th (Arbor Day) at North Broadway United Methodist Church (48 E. North Broadway, Columbus OH 43214). After the Celebration of Life service, all are invited to a reception at Whetstone Park of Roses Shelter House. In lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution in Dr. Struve’s memory to The Chadwick Arboretum www.go.osu.edu/chadwickgifts (Ohio State University Foundation, Chadwick Arboretum Fund # 306837, The Ohio State University Foundation, PO Box 710811, Columbus, OH 43271-0811) or in his memory to North Broadway United Methodist Church. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to sign Dan’s online guestbook or to share a memory with his family.