Remembering Johann (Hans) Struff 1928-2020
Jennifer Stockdale • November 16, 2020
With deep regret we inform you of the passing of former National Secretary/Treasurer Johann (Hans) G. Struff on October 28, 2020.
Never one to do things half‑heartedly, Brother Hans was an active and vibrant GBU member since 1963 when he joined District 510 in Toledo, Ohio. He held various district offices throughout his years in Toledo. Additionally, in 1966 Hans became a district representative and proceeded to become GBU’s top producer for many years.
In 1966 and 1970, he served as a National Delegate to GBU’s National Conventions. At the 1970 convention, Hans was elected Regional Vice President-South, holding that position until July 1981 when he was elected National Secretary of GBU. Then, at the 1990 convention, the offices of National Secretary and National Treasurer were combined, and Brother Struff became GBU’s first National Secretary/Treasurer.
Being a dedicated fraternalist, Hans Struff has also served the fraternal benefit system well at both the state and national levels. From 1972 to 1992, Brother Struff served with the Ohio Fraternal Congress (OFC) and the Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress (PFC) as a board member for both. Hans set a first for a GBU officer by serving as president of two different state fraternal congresses. On the national scene, beginning in 1973, he served as chairman of many National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) committees throughout the years. In 1988 he was elected to serve a three-year term on the
NFCA board.
Among his many accomplishments, Brother Struff was extremely proud to be one of the original founders of the famous Toledo German-American Festival Society. He was master of ceremonies at the Cleveland Octoberfest for many years and subsequently, was named Honorary Lieutenant Governor of the State of Ohio in October 1979.
In November 1990, Hans was the recipient of the prestigious Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany presented by New York City German Consulate, Dr. Leopold B. von Bredow. This decoration was in recognition of his significant contributions to the strengthening of cultural relations between the United States of America, his adopted homeland, and Germany, his birth land.
When Hans retired from GBU in 1992, he and his wife Karla took up residence in California in order to join their son Lothar and daughter Sylvia and their respective families.
Johann "Hans" G. Struff is survived by his lovely wife of 70 years Karla, their son Lothar (Solange) and daughter Sylvia (Mark) Friedman, and grandchildren Dylan, Alexander and Hayley.
We will miss Hans greatly. His friendly smile and charming personality endeared him to all who knew him, and their numbers are many. Auf Wiedersehen, our friend!
District 684 Brentwood, Pennsylvania and District 699 Frankenmuth, Michigan
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