Tom Strouf

Tom was born on Aug. 11, 1937, to Ernest and Margaret Strouf in Niagara, where he attended and graduated from Niagara High School. After studying music at Central Michigan University, Tom met the love of his life, Vera (Cruz) Strouf, and they were married on Sept. 13, 1958. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Tom began his career working at the Kimberly Clarke Paper Mill and as a part-time police officer for the Niagara Police Department. In 1971, Tom moved to Sturtevant, Wis., to continue his law enforcement career and was soon promoted to chief of police. In 1979, he moved to Peshtigo, Wis., to become the chief of police until he retired from the position.

Tom wanted to continue his work in public service, so he ran for, and was elected to, the Peshtigo City Council Board. He was ultimately elected as the mayor of Peshtigo for two consecutive terms.

In 2010, Tom and Vera moved to Jackson to be closer to family.

An avid sportsman, Tom loved to fish and hunt. As an accomplished piano player of the Big Band era, Tom was often seen playing with the Jackson Dixie Band for various local events. His skills in card games were exceptional as Tom won numerous local and regional cribbage tournaments.

Tom loved to lift the spirits of others through his piano playing. Everyone knew Tom loved telling jokes and making people laugh. He will be missed by the community at the Crouch Senior Center, where he and Vera went almost every day.

His grandson, Benjamin White, reflects: “I could not help but think about the great legacy this man has left. His life has touched so many and impacted even more. Only eternity will tell how this one life impacted our world… I most of all look forward to seeing him again someday in Glory!”

In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by their five children, Shelly (Pastor Dan) White of Jackson, Kimberly Gonzales of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Mike (Vennie) Strouf of Santa Clara, Calif., Kevin Strouf of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Brent (Rachel) Strouf of Radford, Va.; as well as 21 grandchildren and 53 great-grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings; and a grandchild.

He will be greatly missed by his family, church family, friends and the community.

A funeral service for Tom Strouf will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 at Fellowship Baptist Church: 3200 Reed Road, Clarklake, MI 49234.

Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. Flowers may be sent to the Arthur-Day Funeral Home of Michigan Center, Mich., through Friday, Sept. 21.

Direct contributions can be given in Tom’s memory to Fellowship Baptist Church.