Charles Joseph Struemph, of Freeburg, was born on December 4, 1939, near Freeburg, a son of Joseph Herman and Johanna Marie "Jennie" (Borgmeyer) Struemph, and departed this life at 2:57 p.m., on Friday, September 1, 2017, in the SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital, Jefferson City. Charles had attained the age of 77 years, 8 months, and 27 days.

He was united in marriage on July 27, 1974, at the Churchill Memorial in Fulton, to the former Miss Brooksie Sue Klick, who survives at their home near Freeburg. Other survivors include: a nephew who became a son, Cody Klick, and his wife, Jennifer, of Tebbetts; his granddaughter, the light of his life, Natalie Mable Klick; his siblings, Marilyn Starr and husband, Marion, of Loose Creek, Herbert Struemph of Koeltztown, Joe Struemph and wife, Patricia, of Pleasant Hill, Victor Struemph and wife, Berniece, of Freeburg, and Janet Struemph of Jefferson City; nephews and nieces; great-nephews and nieces; cousins; other relatives; and a host of friends.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, Joseph, on February 20, 1998; his mother, Jennie, on June 29, 2008; a sister-in-law, Patricia D. "Patty" Struemph, on November 10, 2000; and a nephew, Jeremy H. Struemph, on August 17, 2016.

He was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Freeburg, and had also attended the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Koeltztown. Charles was always a giving person when there was a need and was truly supportive of his family and community. During his working life, he was employed by the Three Rivers Electric Cooperative in Linn for nineteen years and the Jefferson City Area YMCA for eleven years prior to his retirement in 2002. Charles especially enjoyed being with friends, traveling, taking great pride in his landscaping around his home, and gardening.

On February 19, 1962, at Jefferson City, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve and served until July 23, 1971, when he was honorably discharged at the rank of First Lieutenant. Charles had worked in bookkeeping and business administration, and during his military career, he had been assigned to the 420th Civil Affairs Company. A man of excellent character, Charles' "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to our country, the United States of America.

Memorials, in lieu of flowers, are suggested by the family to the St. Jude Children's Hospital or per the wishes of the family with envelopes available at the Holy Family Catholic Church or the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, 406 South Main Street, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, Missouri 65582.