Royce K. Struchen

Royce Kendall Struchen was born on October 13, 1959 to Edwin “Ed” Struchen and Gloria E Struchen (Knopp) in Burley Idaho. When Royce was 15 months old he was greeted with a sister Marla, and little brother Merrill when he was 12 years old. The family spent time camping, motorbike riding and skiing.

Royce made two lifelong friends, Ron Winks and Ray Morton, way back in first grade. He enjoyed playing the trumpet in high school band and still cherishes the memory of getting his first car. His love affair with Mustangs began in 1965 when his dad took him to see the new models that had just hit the dealership. He was instantly smitten and owned several Mustangs throughout his life, but none could top his beloved GT 500 Shelby.

After graduating from high school, Royce attended college in Pocatello and initially studied accounting. However, he soon switched his major to computer programming and embarked on his professional career. While in college, he married and had his first son, Kendall. Upon graduating, Royce moved to Boise in 1983 and began working for Idaho First National Bank as an auditor. He later transitioned to the systems department. During this time, he remarried and had his second son, Kyle, and his daughter, Lily. He continued working for the bank until its acquisition by US Bank. Afterward, he held positions at First Hawaiian Bank, Sears Credit, TSYS, and Banner Bank. His career enabled him to travel occasionally, and he developed fond memories of certain places he visited. He retired in July of 2018.

Royce had a deep connection with one particular cat named Splinter, whom he found in a storm drain while riding his bicycle. He took Splinter to the vet for treatment and intended for him to be adopted out. However, he changed his mind and brought Splinter home. Splinter became Royce's beloved companion for 18 years, and Royce felt his absence deeply until his own passing.

His relationship with Suzanne blossomed over the years, culminating in their marriage in 2016. Their shared love for road trips on Harley-Davidsons with friends created unforgettable memories. Later, Royce transitioned from motorcycles to golf, enjoying weekly outings with close companions. These pursuits reflected Royce's zest for life and his ability to form strong bonds with others.

Royce led an active and fulfilling life, embracing various hobbies and cherishing relationships with family and friends. His passion for cycling, both on mountain trails and city streets, reflected his adventurous spirit. His participation in centurions, long-distance cycling events, further demonstrated his dedication and endurance. Beyond physical activities, Royce valued spending quality time with loved ones.

Nurturing a passion for Hot Wheels cars from an early age, Royce meticulously collected them throughout his life. He held a deep affection for his little cars. Bowling also held a special place in Royce's heart, as he actively participated in a men's league for many years, and even dabbled in a mixed league for a while.

Despite his self-proclaimed lack of a creative mind, Royce possessed a knack for transforming online inspirations into tangible creations. He and his wife, Suzanne, eagerly embraced new ideas, acquiring the necessary materials to bring their visions to life. This willingness to experiment and learn resulted in a diverse array of hobbies, including geocaching, photography, knitting, leather crafting, paint pouring, woodworking, and card collecting. Royce's enthusiasm for these pursuits reflected his curiosity, resourcefulness, and desire to engage with a wide range of creative endeavors.

He is survived by his wife Suzanne, son Kendall (Jennifer) Struchen, son Kyle Struchen, daughter Lily Killian, stepsons Jeremy (Liz) Raynor, Greg Raynor (Amber Woodhead), Kevin (Kasi) Raynor, 4 grandchildren, 1 step grandchild, mother Gloria Struchen, sister Marla Spann, brother Merrill Struchen (Laura King), niece Jacqueline (Justin) Powell, nephew Nate Spann, 1 great nephew, and many other relatives.  He is preceded in death by his father Ed Struchen, his grandparents and many other relatives.  

Royce left us way too soon and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. “If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane. I’d walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again.”

A Celebration of Life open house will be held on November 19, 2023 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at the Courtyard Marriott, 1789 S Eagle Rd, Meridian, ID.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local humane society or pet shelter.