Harold Paul Struempler

Harold Paul Struempler was born May 30, 1929 in Buffalo, Nebraska and was raised on a farm. Harold passed away June 10, 2018 in Aurora, Colorado. Harold joined the United States Air Force where he became a pilot. As a pilot, he flew various airplanes, including the Boeing B-47, as a member of SAC (Strategic Air Command); later attaining the rank of Major. Harold married Delisle Spatz January 29, 1956–a highlight of his life– and raised two sons, Steve and David. Harold also has two grandchildren, Paul and Dawson.

After his retirement, he built a cabin at St. Mary's Glacier in the early 1970's, subsequently enjoying time with friends and relatives there. At his home in Aurora, Colorado, Harold helped support his church home, Mt. Olive Lutheran, and spent his senior years tending his lawn and garden, reserving time for a beer on the back porch, and enjoying life.

In honor of Harold, a Memorial Service will be held at 10:30AM, Saturday August 25, 2018 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church (11453 East Wesley Ave, Aurora, CO 80014). Reception to follow immediately after service in the Reception Hall. Graveside service, 1:30PM at Hampden Memorial Gardens (8600 E Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231).

In memory of Harold, please read the poem below, and give your condolences to the Struempler family.

“High Flight”

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
Where never lark, or even eagle flew-
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod

The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.