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Gloria Elizabeth Struchen

Gloria Elizabeth Struchen

Oct. 16, 1941 - Jan. 20, 2025

Date of Service: Jan. 31, 2025

Watch the Webcast Service Program

BURLEY - Gloria Elizabeth Knopp Struchen, 83, and a beloved resident of Burley, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Shaw Mountain of Cascadia in Boise, surrounded by the love of her children.

Gloria’s life was defined by the love she gave and the kindness she shared. As a mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she brought light into the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Gloria was born on October 16, 1941, in Heyburn, Idaho, to Jake and Mary (Weber) Knopp, and was raised in Burley, where she graduated from Burley High School in 1959. Gloria married Ed Struchen on April 3, 1959, in Rupert. Together, they raised three children in the Burley area.

Gloria was raised on a farm, where she developed a strong work ethic from an early age. She spent many years working the fields with her father, helping in the garden with her mother and two sisters, and later driving potato and beet trucks during the harvest seasons.

Gloria's life was filled with a profound love for her family and an enduring passion for exploring new experiences. Whether it was ceramics, sewing, crocheting, scrapbooking, oil painting, or playing the organ, Gloria approached each activity with enthusiasm—and excelled at whatever she set her mind to.

As a family, they spent countless weekends camping and riding motorcycles with friends, creating cherished memories along the way. She also enjoyed the thrill of snow skiing. Her ability to face any challenge with grace and success was one of her defining traits.

In the 1960s, Gloria’s entrepreneurial spirit blossomed when she opened her first business out of the family home's garage, offering custom sewing and alterations. This was just the beginning of her creative journey. Before opening her own store, Gloria worked at Klink’s Florist and the Flower Pot, where she honed her skills in flower arranging. It was during this time that she truly discovered her passion for working with flowers. Her talent and creativity flourished, and she mastered the art of floral design, which deepened her love for the creative process and solidified her place in the floral world.

Gloria later opened Gloria’s House in Bloom, a beloved flower, gift and craft store, where she brought beauty and joy to the community. She crafted stunning floral arrangements for all occasions, as well as everyday gifts. Her creative spirit and attention to detail made everything she did a work of art, and her store became a trusted place where the community could find the perfect floral expression for any event.

Gloria is survived by her children, Marla Spann of Boise, and Merrill (Laura) Struchen of Boise; her daughter-in-law, Suzanne Struchen of Meridian; her grandchildren, Kendall (Jennifer) Struchen of Paul, Jacqueline (Justin) Powell of Boise, Kyle Struchen of Meridian, Nathan Spann of Boise, and Lily Struchen of Meridian; five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and her sister, Robinette (Ron) Lynch of Burley.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edwin (Ed) Struchen; her son, Royce Struchen; her parents, Jake and Mary Knopp; and her sister, Joyce Maier.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 31, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, with Pastor Brian Livermore officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, January 30, and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Friendship House of Shaw Mountain in Boise for their dedicated care and support. A special thank you also goes to the team at Bluebird Hospice in Meridian for their compassionate care during Gloria’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/vBWDkQyLQB4.

Condolences for Gloria Elizabeth Struchen

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Penny and Mark Lynch:
Mark and I are so sorry to hear this morning of Gloria's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family. and many friends. She will be missed.
From Monica Davis :
Merrill, Marla and Robinette were so very sorry for your loss. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. We’re very sorry we have to miss Gloria’s service.
Sincerely;
Monica Adams Davis and Mardene Adams.
From Ken & Billie Rae DeNaughel :
Many fond memories of you Gloria and Ed, Burley has missed you both! The Hacksons & DeNaughels
From Eileen Albertson Petersen:
Condolences to Gloria’s family. It was good to learn more about Gloria from her obituary. I have some of her beautiful tole painting Halloween pieces. I always think fondly of her when I put them out. Gloria made Burley, Idaho, a better place. Love from an old Burleyite, Eileen A. Petersen and family.
From Kay Hansen:
Have known Gloria for many years. Knew her through soriety, her flower shop and as a friend. RIP Gloria.
From Jean Blakeley:
Gloria's floral shop did the flowers for my daughter's wedding years ago, and I enjoyed her pleasant personality. Then I got to know her better when she started painting with us at the Burley Senior Center, and she enjoyed learning and sharing new ideas with our small, close group of friends. When she started a new hobby, she jumped in 100 percent. I have missed her since she moved to Boise, Idaho. Rest in peace, Dear Gloria! Condolences to her family.
From Ric Martindale - Capital City Florist - Boise:
Such a wonderful person. I worked at the Flower Pot in Burley in the 1970's with Gloria. She was a great florist and lots of fun to be around. I also was in the same class as her son Royce all the way through high school. After I graduated and moved to Boise, she opened her own flower shop in Burley. She was always in a class of her own. When she first moved to Boise, she would stop by my flower shop to visit.......tried to get her to work once in awhile, but she always said she was too old to be in the flower business........but I could always tell she was still itching to get a knife in her hands and make just one more arrangement.......whether she was too old or not. Rest in Peace dear long-time friend.
From Judy Talbot Fuller:
An old buddy from school. Pleasant memories about Gloria. Fun times as teenagers.
From Jeanne jensen:
I knew Gloria for many years. Very nice person

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