Former Florissant Police Chief Dies

Florissant resident Robert Truetken was a model of civic and public services through his work in military and police matters. His family would describe him as an unselfish and caring man.

Truetken, who served as the for five years, died Saturday after a bout with cancer. He was 77.

“He had 23 nieces and nephews, and he was a godfather to us all,” Joe Green, Truetken’s nephew, said.

Green said his uncle cared not only for his family but with friends. “He didn’t know a stranger,” he said.

Truetken was born in Mascoutah, IL in 1934. He served in the Army during the Korean conflict and remained in the Reserves following his time. He remained committed to the military through his services as a board member of the USO as well as a board member of the Navy Board.

He worked in the St. Louis Police Department for 17 years and became a lieutenant during that time. He was a founding board member of the St. Louis Major Case Squad, where he remained as an honorary board member following his retirement.

In 1974, he left the St. Louis City Police Department to be the chief of police for Florissant, where he remained until 1979. Following that, he became the chief of corporate security for St. Luke’s Hospital for 24 years.

Green said his uncle had a number of honors from shaking hands with presidents to mingling with generals and admirals, but he remained dedicated to his family and friends.

On Monday, Ward 8 Councilman Mark Schmidt asked for a moment of silence at the beginning of the meeting for Truetken. He also made note that the city flew flags at half staff for the sad occasion.

“It’s a very sad day for the city of Florissant to lose such a civic leader,” Schmidt said after the meeting. “He continued to serve on the parks and recreation board until recently.”

Bob Truetken’s wife Beverly Ann, his brother James Truetken and his sisters Pauline Howell and Kathleen Green preceded him in death. He is survived by a brother, Libory (Audrey) Truetken and a host of nieces and nephews and friends.

Truetken’s services will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at for mass. has handled the arrangements.

The family requests donations be made to the James S. McDonnell USO, 10701 Lammert International Building, P.O. Box 10367, St. Louis, MO 63145 or the Navy League of the United States-St. Louis Counsel, 7257 Amherst Ave, University City, MO 63130.