Thomas Strobel

Thomas Strobel, a member of the Greatest Generation, passed away peacefully at his home on September 9th at the age of 102. He was born on July 13, 1921, in Chicago, IL. Tom lived his early years in Riverside, IL, and attended Knox College in Galesburg, IL. He graduated in 1943 with a degree in Psychology.
Tom had enlisted in the Army as a Junior and was immediately called to active duty upon graduation. He graduated from Officer Candidate School in 1944. Before being shipped overseas, he married the love of his life, Doris Carroll, on November 22, 1944. Tom arrived in Germany in time to participate in the Battle of the Bulge, serving with the 104th Infantry. After the end of the war, he was assigned to SHAEF (Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Forces) in Frankfort, Germany. He came home in June of 1946.
His first job was at 2nd Federal Saving & Loan in Chicago as a Loan Officer. In 1953 Tom joined his father at Old Reliable Savings & Loan in Beryn, IL and eventually became President and Managing Officer. During their time in Chicago, Tom and Doris had two sons, Gary and Michael. They were also founding members of the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs.
In 1966, they sold the Savings & Loan and moved to Boca Raton, FL in 1971. Tom dabbled as a real estate broker there. His first sale was to Lee Iaccoca, then President of Ford Motor Company. A few years later they decided to move to Madison in northern Florida. They bought a pecan ranch where they planted over 430 pecan trees! They eventually moved to Little Rock in 2001 to be near their children and grandchildren.
Tom was preceded in death by sister, Elaine Kuroski; wife, Doris Strobel; son, Michael Strobel. Survivors include son, Gary (Sherry) Strobel; daughter in law, Debbie Strobel; grandsons, Preston (Alla) Strobel and Grant (Sarah) Strobel; great-grandson, Ronan Michael Strobel; step grandson, Darren Murphy (Debbie).
Tom and Doris were members of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Little Rock. They lived in Parkway Village for over 21 years. The family would like to thank the administration of Parkway Village for their support and encouragement to Tom. We would also like to give a special thanks to Tituanna Wall, who was Tom's primary caregiver, as well as others from Charlotte's Home Care. And also to Felicia Butler, who cared for Doris in her later years. A small service will be held in the Chapel at Parkway Village on September 17th at 1pm. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Cremation Services of Arkansas (501)313-5431.