Message from Ed Garbarino
April 13, 2017 8:33 AM
It was a privelege to have been a friend of Tom's. I knew him from our time together at Notre Dame and Grace Tower. He was always quick with a smile, a joke or to lend a hand helping anyone who needed it. My sincerest condolences to his family. You will all be in our prayers.
Message from Mike Casale
April 12, 2017 4:25 PM
I was a Notre Dame('73) dorm mate of Tom's, who we called "Chotaman". Wonderful guy. you must be very proud of his accomplishments. you have my sympathies.
Mike
Message from Julie Windler, Customer Relations Supervisor, CBE
December 27, 2016 12:46 PM
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my prayers.
Message from Don & Phyllis Vehlow Waterloo Ag-Service Inc
December 6, 2016 6:05 AM
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Tom at this time. May the Lord help your healing.
A candle was lit by Art & Jackie Josetti
on December 2, 2016 4:10 PM
Message from Gordon and Ellen Gehrke and family
December 1, 2016 9:22 PM
Our deepest condolences on your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Message from Paul Schneider
December 1, 2016 1:19 PM
We all loved Tom and will miss him, know that God is now smiling like Tom, it is so contagious. Tom in addition to you and the kids left everyone better for knowing him. This c
Christmas won't be the same without Tom's red sweater. Love you all, Paul Schneider
Message from Megan Griffin Welsh
November 30, 2016 12:29 PM
Patty and family, I am so deeply sorry for your great loss. I was at church but never quite made it up to be able to speak to you. The Griffin and Strachota families have shared so much over the years. You have been there for our family in good and bad times and that is not forgotten. At Jimmy's graduation party this summer we got a nice chance to visit with Tom. He was the last adult to leave. I told Mike (Twig) that night that it was almost like he knew he would not be back there again...You could tell he was just enjoying reminiscing...the good old days. Heaven is shining a little brighter today. Sending warm thoughts, prayers and of course, our deepest sympathy. Love, Megan and Mike Welsh
Message from Doug and Colleen Brown
November 30, 2016 11:06 AM
Our deepest condolences to the Strachota family. It is difficult to find words to express how saddened we are at Tom's passing. Tom was a wonderful, kind man, and we will miss him. May God hold you in the palm of his hand, and comfort you at this difficult time.
Message from Priscilla & Stephen Schacht
November 29, 2016 2:42 PM
So sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Tom--
our sincerest sympathy to the Nemastil/Strachota family.
Take care during this difficult time.
Message from John and Debbie Goeden
November 29, 2016 11:41 AM
Dear Patty and family,
We were very saddened to hear of Tom's passing. Please except our deepest sympathy for your loss. We pray that your heart will find peace and comfort during this difficult time. Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Debbie
Message from Dan and Steve Wesch and all the Wesch family.
November 28, 2016 7:20 PM
Tom will greatly missed. We started working with Tom and the Stracota family in 1982. This was a very good man along with his family. The world needs more people like him. It an honor to know you Tom.
A candle was lit by Marma McIntee
on November 28, 2016 3:03 PM
Message from Phil Neff
November 28, 2016 11:54 AM
My deepest sympathy to Tom's family and to the Dairyland Seed family. Tom was one of the first people i came to know when i entered the seed industry, and he remained one of my favorites over many years. Positive, direct, problem-solver, caring, personable, good-hearted, proud of his family, and so much more. He was a friend. I will miss him, and I will remember the legacy of good that he leaves behind. May our loving God pour out His Spirit to comfort and strengthen you all.
A candle was lit by The Clark Family0
on November 28, 2016 11:26 AM
A candle was lit by Ron and Cathy Secrist
on November 28, 2016 10:56 AM
Message from Ron and Cathy Secrist
November 28, 2016 10:54 AM
My condolences to Patty and family. Steve and John, and the rest of Tom's great family. We lost an excellent seedsman, one of the best. Tom hired me in 1989 and gave me the resources to create a soybean breeding program that I hope he was proud of. My prayers are for your family that you may heal and rejoice in Tom's life and legacy.
Message from Brown Farms -Lynne ,Madonna, Jason Karlie. Danforth,Ill.
November 28, 2016 10:12 AM
I was a very sad day when hearing of the loss of Tom, such a personal man and true leader for his family, community, and in the seed buisness . A person everyone should have known and respected . A mentor for many at Dairyland and his community and family. We are so proud and honored to have known Tom in the seed buisness for 25 + years , a special person . Our deepest sympathy for your loss ,we all have an angel among us now . May god bless.
A candle was lit by Brown Farms- Lynne ,Madonna , Jason ,Karlie
on November 28, 2016 10:00 AM
A candle was lit by Joe Pert and family.
on November 28, 2016 9:35 AM
A candle was lit by Mark and Jami Scanlan & Family
on November 28, 2016 7:18 AM
A candle was lit by Jo and Dennis Keating, Ft. Myers FL
on November 28, 2016 7:08 AM
A candle was lit by Lyn Nelson
on November 27, 2016 8:28 PM
Message from Frank and Donna Stoffel
November 27, 2016 1:27 PM
Our deepest sympathy to the Strachota family.
A candle was lit by Richard and Mary Thiemer
on November 27, 2016 10:16 AM
Message from John Diehl
November 26, 2016 6:27 PM
I thought Tom was the best seed company president I have ever known. His ability to put together the research team and give them freedom of ideas was one of a kind. His ability to see the future and never blink, amazing. People who worked for him were very loyal. His word was always good. We have lost a great man.
Message from Linda Boyce
November 26, 2016 12:53 PM
Message from Ray, Deb. Shane. Rhett, and Zach
November 26, 2016 12:20 PM
Tom was one of the most kind and generous people I knew. He always had a smile and a good thought to share. I always enjoyed the brief times we spent together, because he made you feel you were important to him, and that seem to matter. He was a really good guy, therefor because he liked you, as strange as it might seem, you had to be a good person also? Tom can be measured by his relationship with his family. Pat and the kids were independent yet close. Tom's best attribute was that he let all of his family be who they were. He loved them all and let them grow to be where ever their lives led them. His passing is wrong in so many ways. I guess what we all have to do is to respect the legacy he left, and try to be as good of a person that Tom was- hard to do, but a goal worth striving for.
All Our Love,
Ray, Deb. Shane. Rhett, and Zach
Message from Gerry Harkins
November 26, 2016 8:03 AM
Patty I sorry to hear of your husband death. You and your family will be in my prayers. your cousin Gerry
Message from Julie Fitzgerald Maurer
November 26, 2016 7:27 AM
During this difficult time, I pray that faith and family provide you the strength and peace you need. Tom's greatness will live on though his children and grandchildren. God Bless!
Message from Ray L Engelking
November 26, 2016 3:05 AM
Tom was one of the most kind and generous persons I knew. In the times I spent with him he always made you feel that you were important to him. As strange as it might sound, if Tom liked you, then you must be OK. He always had a smile and a kind thought to share. Perhaps his greatest attribute was that he was the best role model for a family man you could find. He encouraged Patty and the kids become independent and complete persons. It made for a strong and close family. His passing is wrong in so many ways. We all loved him, respected him, and will truly miss him. Dam it.
Message from Shirley and Marshall Brown
November 25, 2016 11:02 PM
Thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Tom was a super friendly man. We remember how much fun he was. Know he will be terribly missed by his family and friends.
Message from Kevin, Kim, Cameron and Callyn Woldt
November 25, 2016 8:31 PM
Words can't express the shock we felt when we heard about Tom. He was one of the most honest, straight forward and engaging people I've ever met. Patty, as a part of your extended family of friends we can only stand by and offer our heart felt support for you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Message from Michael and Janet Wittmann
November 25, 2016 1:21 PM
Our prayers and condolences, to Patty and the family.
A candle was lit by Joe and Pam Stiglitz
on November 25, 2016 1:16 PM
Message from Stephanie and Richard Melrose (Parents of Sherri Melrose)
November 25, 2016 11:29 AM
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Tom. Our daughter, Sherri Melrose, has always spoken so highly of him. We are sorry we never had the chance to meet him. You are in our hearts and in our prayers!
Richard and Stephanie Melrose
Boynton Beach, Florida
Message from BUD OSOWSKI
November 25, 2016 9:52 AM
A FANTASTIC AWESOME GUY... THE VERY BEST... TERRIBLE EVENT...
TOM DIDN'T GET TO ENJOY A RETIREMENT AND GROWING FAM... ALL WILL
MISS HIS GENUINE SMILE AND WARM AND COMFORTING PERSONALITY...
WE SHOULD ALL CONTINUE TO LIVE BY HIS EXAMPLE FOR THE TIME WE
HAVE LEFT... ONE DAY AT A TIME... WE ALSO WILL MISS TOM DEARLY...
Message from Renee Frazier Neumeyer
November 25, 2016 7:39 AM
Dear Strachota family,
So sorry for your loss. Keeping you in prayer.
Renee Frazier Neumeyer
SMSA Class of 71
A candle was lit by Harold Aycock--Greenfield, CA
on November 25, 2016 3:18 AM
Message from Bernard Starzewski
November 24, 2016 7:29 PM
Tom was one of the first people I met at St. Mary's Springs in Fond du Lac after moving there (indirectly) from Chicago. I was the new guy. In that confusing old set of buildings that had once been a girl's school boys washrooms were hard to find and between classes I needed to find one pretty bad. Tom must have noticed that I was in a bit of distress and no one else was helping me. He just walked up to me and guessing my situation offered to lead me to to the boys room at the end of a sub-floor hall. That one small act made the strange new place I had come to seem a little less foreign and foreboding.
While Tom and I came from very different places both literally and figuratively and we often disagreed on issues of the day he never let any of that get personal and maintained his sense of decency through it all which seems a lost art today.
Wish we could have met one last time just to touch base if nothing else.
A candle was lit by Al nnd Sandy Klein
on November 24, 2016 1:52 PM
A candle was lit by Bob Jackson
on November 24, 2016 9:26 AM
Message from Susan Lowden
November 24, 2016 8:41 AM
Dear sweet Strachota Family,
I've worked at Dairyland Seed for almost 20 years. Tom has always been a solid rock and the voice of reason through all the ups and downs a company can experience. It's an honor to know (and work for) someone of his caliber. We will miss Tom greatly!
My deepest sympathy! May God bless and comfort your families through this heart- breaking time.
With honor and respect,
Susan Lowden
A candle was lit by Gary & Alyece Day
on November 24, 2016 8:00 AM
A candle was lit by James & Jeanne Fellenz, West Bend,wi
on November 23, 2016 10:29 PM
Message from Ryan and Lauren Rosemeyer
November 23, 2016 7:15 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you be comforted by all of the love surrounding you.
Message from Don and Karen Zimmel
November 23, 2016 4:05 PM
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Strachota family. There are fond memories of the several years that I worked with Tom and the Dairyland Seed group that can never be replaced. You will always be remembered Tom! God bless.
Message from Rebecca Condé
November 23, 2016 1:23 PM
Dear Patty,
My sincere sympathy to you and your family on the sudden loss of your dear Tom. My prayers are with you for strength in God's love to help you through the difficult days ahead.
My most sincere sympathy.
Message from Bob & Sally Jahn
November 23, 2016 1:10 PM
Patti and family our deepest sympathy, He is making everyone in heaven smile and feel happy. Love and prayers always Bob & Sally Jahn
Message from Jack barto
November 23, 2016 12:41 PM
Starch will be missed every fall at our annual club inc meeting. He is a great human and always made me smile. He and has family are in my prayers
Message from Pat & Jerry Fitzgerald
November 23, 2016 12:27 PM
I have had the honor to know Tom for 4 years now hunting with him and the crew in SD. I was lucky enough to introduce my Father to Tom and all in 2016. He was a very kind and special man. Prayers and thought to the entire family and extended friends.
Message from John Gaski
November 23, 2016 11:50 AM
Rest in peace, old friend. I'll light a candle at the Grotto. In fact, I may light all of them.
A candle was lit by Gene and Terri Moore--Gibson City, IL
on November 23, 2016 11:37 AM
Message from Lynn Witz Phillips
November 23, 2016 11:34 AM
Patti and Family,
I am sorry for your loss. Tom was a wonderful man, husband, father, and grandfather. I know he will be missed by all. His sudden death has to be such a shock to all of you. Now you have a guardian angel watching over you. Gods Blessing and my heart felt sympathies.
Lynn Witz Phillips
A candle was lit by Lynn Witz Phillips
on November 23, 2016 11:28 AM
Message from Debby Jaeger
November 23, 2016 11:13 AM
My heart goes out to all the family and friends of Tom. He was my high school classmate at St Mary's Springs. From day one of Freshman year Tom left a mark on the class of 1971. Within days, "that guy from St Killian" had won our hearts. He was a leader, scholar and athlete. Mostly I remember his goofy sense of humor and constant smile. And he set the bar for decency very high. He was so happy in 1981 at our ten year reunion when he told me about his marriage to Patty. All of you were privileged to have Tom in your lives; and I will pray for you as you grieve his loss and celebrate his entry into a new and beautiful life.
A candle was lit by Kevin Nett
on November 23, 2016 11:06 AM
Message from Ron & Sue Schmitz
November 23, 2016 10:47 AM
Patty, you and your family are blessed with a strong faith that will allow you to deal with Tom's sudden passing. Both of you have been servant leaders that are the building blocks of a strong family, successful community, and great country. Tom will be missed, but most of all, remembered fondly by many, many people!
A candle was lit by Ron & Sue Schmitz
on November 23, 2016 10:40 AM
A candle was lit by Craig McNall and family
on November 23, 2016 10:39 AM
A candle was lit by Luke and Amy Anderson
on November 23, 2016 10:36 AM
Message from Steve Sylvester
November 23, 2016 10:05 AM
It is impossible to put into words the feeling of sadness or to measure the positive affect Tom had on so many people during his lifetime. I met Tom for the first time in 1971 at Notre Dame. Tom and I became friends. It was a privilege to be a small part of his incredible life for the past 45 years. Tom was loyal,humble,strong and kind. How lucky I was to have Tom as my friend. My deepest sympathy to all who got to know this fine man. Syl
A candle was lit by Steve & Dori Gades
on November 23, 2016 9:55 AM
A candle was lit by Mark Brunner
on November 23, 2016 9:32 AM
Message from Lyle and Becky Schefers
November 23, 2016 9:20 AM
To Patty and Family ,Words can't be spoken to express our feelings. Tom was truly a special SEED for all the lives he touched. Heaven has gained a new Angel.......
A candle was lit by Karen and Bill Schweda
on November 23, 2016 9:14 AM
A candle was lit by Jon and Crisi Soutz
on November 23, 2016 8:31 AM
A candle was lit by Lyle and Becky Schefers
on November 23, 2016 8:25 AM
Message from Rod & Beth Moran Family
November 23, 2016 8:17 AM
May God hold you close at this time and always.
Tom had a passion for his family and Dairyland Seed that was always evident in his demeanor and actions. It is a true honor to work for this incredible individual. He will be dearly missed!
A candle was lit by Larry & Pat Seitz
on November 23, 2016 8:14 AM
A candle was lit by Stacy (Verheyen) Mangione
on November 23, 2016 8:10 AM
A candle was lit by The Moran Family Forsyth, IL
on November 23, 2016 8:06 AM
A candle was lit by Barb Kissinger
on November 23, 2016 6:29 AM
A candle was lit by Danny, Mimi, & Leyman Bott
on November 23, 2016 12:34 AM
Message from Ralph and Arleen Dornacker
November 22, 2016 11:46 PM
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. So very sorry to hear this news. Our hearts go out to you, Patty, and the rest of your family.
Message from Dave Clark and Chris & Matt Uelmen
November 22, 2016 11:24 PM
So many great lifetime memories with your family...Our hearts are broken for all of you. Sending lots of love, hugs & prayers
Message from John & Sherry Peters
November 22, 2016 9:49 PM
Our deepest condolences to the Strachota family! Tom was an amazing individual and mentor for many. He will be greatly missed.
A candle was lit by John & Sherry Peters
on November 22, 2016 9:46 PM
Message from Adam Nemastil
November 22, 2016 9:00 PM
Dear Uncle Tom,
You will be so sorely missed. Your kindness and humor will forever be remembered. Your beautiful family is your legacy.
Love,
Adam, Sarah and Grace Nemastil
A candle was lit by Adam, Sarah and Grace Nemastil
on November 22, 2016 8:54 PM