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Thomas STRAFELDA Obituary

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather & Great-Papa Tom 1930-2013. Preceded in death by brother David. Survived by his loving wife Nancy A. of 62 yrs. Children, Susan (Leon) Olson, Patricia (Patrick) Mergens, Michael (Lori), Mary Jo (John) Roberts, Anne (Paul) Ablan & Steve (Mary); 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother Roy & sister Elaine and many nieces, nephews & friends. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday 10am at TRANSFIGURATION CATHOLIC CHURCH 6133 15th St. N. Oakdale 55128. Visitation Tuesday 4-8pm at KESSLER & MAGUIRE 640 W. 7th St. 651-224-2341. Visitation also 1 hr prior to mass at church. Int. Ft. Snelling. In lieu of flowers memorial preferred to the North St. Paul Food Bank.



Published by Pioneer Press on Jul. 21, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas STRAFELDA

Not sure what to say?





Sue and family:
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your father. May you find comfort in the happy memories you shared.

Bev Palo

July 25, 2013

Mary Jo and all the Strafelda family, I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. God Bless!

Poppy Gorgos (Palmen)

July 24, 2013

Dear Nancy and Children:

With each memory we meet again
With those we love…..
For the heart never forgets,
Someone so special ----
Can never be forgotten
May you find comfort in the memories that are yours to cherish always,
And strength in the companionship of those who share your loss
You are held in gentle thought and prayer.

Linda Tomasino

July 23, 2013

To the whole Strafelda extended family and friends - our prayers are with you today and the days ahead as you comprehend your loss. We wish you peace, loving memories, and absolute faith that God will care for him and you through this.

Andrea (Mary's sister), John, Savannah and Garrett Rivers

July 23, 2013

Dearest Nancy, you and your family are in our prayers during this time. I appreciate all that you and Tom did for my mom when she was your neighbor. Always so thoughtful and generous. Tom will be missed by all of us at Lakeview Terrace. I know he did a lot over the years to make our community a better place to live. Our sincerest sympathies, Angela Bush & Tom Lonergan

July 23, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you all
of you during this difficult time.

Lori & Steve Connolly

July 22, 2013

Just thinking of Uncle Tom brings a big smile to my face; Uncle Tom was a gift, a very special man, a true blessing to all who encountered him during his lifetime. He taught us how to work, he taught us how to play, and as difficult as it was…he taught us how to die. He loved family. There are so many hearts that ache for you at this time of grief...and though no one can take away your sorrow, may the support and concern extended to you from others help give your family the strength it needs from day to day. The grief you have is a testimony of the love you shared with Tom and what a blessing that is. God's peace be with you all.

David & Debra (niece) Strafelda-Kuehl

July 22, 2013

Papa Tom will be greatly missed. I am so glad that we were able to spend the last days with him. He was a great person and we now rejoice in the fact that he is fishing in Heaven with our Heavenly Father.

We love you Papa Tom!

Tim, Carrie and Colton Mergens

July 22, 2013

Dear Anne, Paul, Michael and Grace, Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you on the loss of your father and grandfather. May his "Memory be Eternal".
Joe, Julie and Family

July 22, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Strafelda family during this time, we are so sorry for your loss. Faith Billington and family

July 22, 2013

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Earl Layman Family

July 21, 2013

Mary Jo and John, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Give thanks to God for all the wonderful years you had with your father.
Love you Liz and Allen Neese

Liz Neese

July 21, 2013

Dear Nancy and family, our deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved husband father and grandand great grandfather.Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. May God be with you at this sad time. sincerely Bob and Peggy Stemig Connolly

July 21, 2013

My heart is with the Strafelda family at this sad time. I hope the wonderful memories will lift your spirits.

Linda Black

July 21, 2013

Dear Strafelda family I am so sorry for the loss of your Husband,Dad,Grandpa,Greatgrandpa, he will be missed by many I will miss hearing about is fishing trips and the lake also the casino trips. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.

Linda Kotasek

July 21, 2013

So sorry to hear of Tom's passing, my thoughts and prayers are with your family during this special time. Pattie Black

July 21, 2013

So sorry for your loved ones. We didn't know him. But our prayers are with you.

July 21, 2013

Anne,Paul and Family my deepest condolences on the loss of your Father and Grandfather. May God hold you in the palm of his hands and lift you up.
Sincerly.

Mary Whebbe

July 21, 2013

Anne,Paul and Family my deepest condolences on the loss of your father and grandfather. May God hold you in the palm of his hand and lift you up.

July 21, 2013

Will miss you Uncle Tom. Rest In Peace. Love you, Barb & Ken Gillen

July 21, 2013

Uncle Tom, Your smile is my lasting memory, rest well.
Mark Schroeder

July 21, 2013

My condolences to all the Strefelda family on your loss...my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

Kathy Murphy Salscheider

July 21, 2013

So sorry for your loss. Such a hard time for all. Know that Tom is in God's loving arms....Katy Steigauf

July 21, 2013

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