Rolland Struebing

Rolland Charles George Struebing of Saint Charles, MO, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the age of 86. Cherished son of the late Irwin Sr. and Katherine (nee Brockmeyer) Struebing; devoted father of Meredith (Arkadiusz Sienica) Struebing; preceded in death by Meredith’s mother, Betty Ann Struebing; loving grandfather and best friend of Alexander Charles Sienica; dear brother of the late Irwin (the late Dorothy) Struebing, Jr.; dear uncle of the late Dennis (Mary Swartstrom) Struebing, Kurt (Laurene) Struebing, and Sandy (the late Bob) Favazza; fondly remembered by many nieces and nephew. Rolland was loved and highly respected and will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

Born in St. Louis on March 21st, 1939, Rolland grew up in Pine Lawn with his parents and older brother, Irv. Although he didn’t always excel at school, he was smart and witty and knew from an early age that he would become an engineer. After he earned his bachelor’s degree from what was then called the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla, Missouri, he was offered a position as a Civil Engineer for the U. S. Army at Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey. The highlight of his career was working through an exchange program in London, England from 1980 to 1981, an experience that allowed his family to travel around the U.K. and western Europe. He earned his master’s degree in engineering management in 1982.

After retiring from his federal position in 1993, he moved back to the St. Louis area to be near his beloved mother, Katherine. It is here where he had his second career dealing blackjack on the Admiral at the President Casino. His daughter joined him in Missouri the following year and convinced him to buy his very first and only house in 2000.

Rolland’s favorite pastimes were bowling, softball, golf, and bridge. He brought Meredith along with him to bowling league and softball in New Jersey. He continued playing golf and bridge after moving to Missouri and eventually earned his Life Master Bridge player status with the American Contract Bridge League in 2005.

Above all, he cherished time spent with his grandson Alex, including road trips, vacations abroad, and especially their long walks around St. Charles exploring the area and popping into a taco or ice cream shop for a snack.

In the last decade of his life, Rolland was affected by the gradual decline of dementia. But he never lost his silly sense of humor. Apart from a few momentary lapses, he never forgot who his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson were. At the end of our visits, he would sing, “I love you a bushel and a peck” or say, “See you later, alligator.”

After a while, crocodile.

Memorials may be made in Rolland's name to the Smile Train or the Alzheimer’s Association.