Thomas R. "Tom" Strukel, 86, of Elkhart, passed away Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at East Lake Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. He was born Dec. 4, 1937, in Elkhart, Indiana, to Matthew and Kathryn (Pavlick) Strukel.
On Aug. 21, 1982, in Elkhart, Indiana, he married Eleanor B. "Elli" Briggs. She survives along with his son, Mitchell (Renee) Strukel; two stepdaughters, Renee (Mitch) D'Amour and Lisa (Carlos) Cerqueira, and his brother, George (Kathy) Strukel. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Michael Strukel (May 6, 2016).
Tom worked at NIBCO in Elkhart for 29 years and retired as a production manager. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1955 to 1958 and was honorably discharged. Tom was a life member of the Elkhart Elks Lodge 425 and loved to play golf at the Christiana Creek Country Club. Tom was an avid Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan and was very proud to be a Marine.
Cremation will take place and a celebration of life gathering will be held at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home from 11 a.m. till the time of the service at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. Father Bartholomew Okorie from St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church will render the service. Full military honors will be rendered by the USMC Honor Guard and the Elkhart Area Marine Corps League.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home.
Cathy Reed
February 25, 2024
George, I as so sorry for the loss of your brother. May he rest in Peace. Cathy Reed
Robert Briggs (Ellie's brother)
February 25, 2024
So sorry to hear this! Wish I could have been there to share prayers with you guys.
Donna, Judy, & Sonny
February 24, 2024
George,we were so sorry to hear of Tommy passing.We all live in Fl now so only read what is in the paper. If you can get our e-mail from these people, contact us. Love you, Judy, Donna, Sonny
Bob Spirito
February 24, 2024
RIP TOM
Richard E Cochran
February 24, 2024
Richard E Cochran
Tom and I went to school together class of 1955.
I was also in the Marines and like Tom very proud.
Robert J. Briggs
February 23, 2024
Was a pleasure to know him. Rest in peace!
Nancy Nicholas
February 20, 2024
Elli, I am so sorry for your loss.
Nancy Nicholas
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Funeral services provided by:
Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home700 E. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46516

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