Leon Joseph Struemph, 59, Lohman, passed away Friday, March 6, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital.
He was born on April 16, 1966, toVictor and Berniece (Schroeder) Struemph in Jefferson City.
He was a 1984 graduate of Fatima High School and received an associate’s degree from State Technical College in 2016.
Leon proudly served his country in the U. S. Army and Reserves from 1986 to 1994. Throughout this time, he served as a Tactical Satellite Microwave Systems Operator for two years and seven months and was also deployed for 16 months in South Korea. Leon was a decorated serviceman, achieving status as an M16 sharpshooter and was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Over-Seas Service Ribbon.
He was united in marriage to Dana Jacobs on May 15, 1993, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Jefferson City.
Leon’s life ministry was driving to help people. Throughout his career, he drove for Quaker Windows, MFA Propane, Graves Menu Maker, First Student Transportation, JEFFTRAN and Uber. He also worked for Scholastic Inc., Break Time and the Employment Security Credit Union.
Leon was an active member of St. Martin’s Catholic Church, assisting with St. Martin’s Youth Group and serving as a third-degree knight for St. Martin’s Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of Fatima FFA, the Brazito/Honey Creek Lions Club, and served as a board member for the Jefferson City Marriage Encounter (JCME).
As a young boy, Leon cherished time spent working with his dad on the family farm. In his adult years, he enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and tinkering on projects. He also loved to travel and treasured spending quality time with his kids, grandkids and his beautiful wife, who all knew him best as papa and papou. Leon also appreciated live music and dancing. He was a true “jack of all trades and master of none.”
Leon was preceded in death by grandparents, Joseph and Johanna (Borgmeyer) Struemph; and Leonard and Irene (Maasen) Schroeder.
He is survived by wife of 32 years, Dana of Lohman; parents, Victor and Berniece of Freeburg; sons, Daryl Struemph and wife Samantha of Jefferson City and Derik Struemph of Lohman; grandchildren, Esther and Levi Struemph; siblings, Linda Buschjost and friend Troy Woods of Jefferson City, Glenn Struemph and wife Sheri and Dale Struemph and wife Kaitlin, all of Freeburg, Diana Haines and husband Justin of Babbtown and Greg Struemph of Nashville, Tenn.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m., on Thursday, March 12, following a prayer service at 4:30 p.m., at St. Martin’s Catholic Church. An additional visitation will be held from 10 until 11 a.m., Friday, March 13, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at the church with the Rev. Nicholas Reid officiating.
Interment with Military Honors will be at St. Martin’s Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to the family for a cause that is close to their hearts. Details will be shared later once finalized.
Arrangements entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes - Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com
