Tom was born in Ainsworth, Nebraska on June 24, 1944, to Walter T. Strange and Leonora Lillian Rohweder. He married his soulmate, Michele Marie Floersch, on June 24, 1972 at St. John's Church in Omaha, Nebraska. They were married 49 years and 10 months.

They met in library school at Rosary College, River Forest, Illinois. Tom worked in public libraries and was director of four public libraries, the last one in La Crosse.

Tom was active in La Crosse Friends of International Students, Thomas Book Group and Town and Country Garden Club. One of his passions was gardening and his garden was always beautiful. He was interested in the arts and loved drama, music and fine art. While living in La Crosse he and Michele were friends of international college students in La Crosse. As a result, they know people around the world and are considered American parents by many. Tom was a kind soul, with a generous heart and knew no stranger. He will be missed by many.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Michele; aunt, Candy Rohweder; nephew, John Norton and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Terry.

Visitation will be on Monday, May 2, 2022 at Roncalli Newman Parish at 5:00 p.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Warming Center, Wafer or Mississippi Valley Conservancy. Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by La Crosse Tribune on May 1, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Strange

Sponsored by Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services - La Crosse.

15 Entries

Frank and Arlene Corona

May 10, 2022

Michele,
We were saddened to hear of Tom’s passing.
Just the other day I was in the yard and had a question about shrubs. I thought that if Strong Seniors were in session, I would have asked Tom as I sometimes did.
Although we didn’t know Tom for a great length of time, we will always remember him.
We are deeply sorry for your loss, Michele.
Frank and Arlene Corona

Pat Seubert

May 3, 2022

Tom was a very special person , Michele. He will always be remembered for friendly, kind,spirit. He will be sadly missed by those of at Newman Roncalli parish.
My sympathy and prayers to you, Michele. Pat Seubert

Gloria Hamilton

May 2, 2022

Michele,
We have known you and Tom for over thirty years and have had wonderful times together. So glad you visited Evanston in 2019 that included a tour of the Mitchell Museum and of course lunch where we laughed so much other eaters enjoyed our conversations. We will keep you in our prayers knowing that the Lord will surround you with His peace.

Gloria, Lawrence David and Aaron

Kathleen Durkin

May 2, 2022

Tom was one of those people you meet once and never forget. One of my fondest memories of him was at lunch in Omaha. Tom ordered a steak sandwich. When the waitress asked how he would like it cooked, he responded: "Well done, but juicy and tender." Without missing a beat, the waitress said, "Honey, only God can do that."

Michele, I know Tom will comfort you through your sorrow. All my love and sympathy.

Your cousin, Kathleen

July 2014, Kansas City * Strange Family Reunion * Thomas Ray Strange with photos of his parents, Walter Redding and Leonora Rohweder Strange

Jennifer Strange

May 2, 2022

As first cousins once removed who both lived far away from our home states of Nebraska and South Dakota, I only met Tom a handful of times. Very fortunately, one of those times was at a small 2014 Strange Family Reunion in Kansas City. We all brought our heirlooms, photos and ephemera and pretty much talked constantly for two and a half days. Such a wonderful time learning about Tom and Michele's fascinating lives, Tom's interests in genealogy and the cultural and literary arts, and of course their travels and student exchange kids. I very much appreciated the Christmas cards, letters and (infrequent) emails we had sent to one another ever since. Occasionally I'd get a card that just read something like: "Do you know anything about the _____?" with the surname of some distant relative. A challenge! I'd dig up what I could find and send the results. A very fond memory of Tom from 2014 was all of us sitting around my aunt's kitchen table. Tom had asked several times about a long article he remembered about our ancestors--founders of the Strange Bros. Hide and Fur Co in Sioux City, Iowa. The article was pasted into a scrapbook my dad had passed along to me. As I read aloud the in-depth profile of Old West enterprise and adventure, I looked 'round the table. Tom was sitting there, his hands crossed on his chest, eyes closed, imagining, I suppose, what it all must've been like back on the frontier in the 1870s. A very sweet moment and memory. Michele, sending you extra love and hugs at this very difficult time. So glad we got to meet.

Sidney Strange

May 1, 2022

Michelle, So sorry to learn of Tom's passing. He was interesting to be around and was always interested in those around him. We share your grief.
Diane and Sid Strange

Margie Sheppard

May 1, 2022

Michelle, I was so sad to learn of Tom's passing. I recall how friendly he was in the floral shop and how happy he was in that environment. My deepest condolences to you. You will certainly be in my thoughts.

May 1, 2022

The Town and Country Garden Club will certainly miss Tom’s excitement, knowledge and enthusiasm for gardening!! He was always the first with questions and ideas about our monthly meetings ,rarely missed a meeting and contributed so much information on gardening. He always knew someone to call if we needed an answer to something. Tom was a generous man who would share his new found plants with other plant lovers. Our club will make a memorial donation in Toms name to Wafer of La Crosse.

Deb Harris

May 1, 2022

Michelle, Sorry to hear of Tom's passing. My mom, Donna Grade, worked with Tom at the floral shop in Holmen. When I would stop in to the shop, he would always be humming and smiling as he worked. Mom would tell me how he liked to talk and joke around to keep everyone in good spirits. After Mom's passing, he was a tremendous help to me going through all the inventory she had to make her arrangements. Thoughts and prayers, Deb Harris

Shao-Chen Lin

April 30, 2022

Dear God Mother,

May the God of all comfort surround you with his presence and bring you peace
during this time of sorrow.
Tom was an amazing gardener who made our souls blossom!
He will be remembered , for the memories that we shared forever live within our hearts.

Love,

Jonty Levin

April 30, 2022

I am Tom and Michele's second exchange student-child. I was privileged to be welcomed into Tom and Michele's lives decades ago and am grateful to have known them for so many years and as a family member might. Tom was a perpetual optimist, starting mornings with a cheerful 'Rise and Shine' ditty, and a thoughtful adviser when something more serious was needed. His wide interests meant that he was erudite and engaged which made for stimulating company. And all this was underpinned by a deep generosity of spirit. His passing leaves a chasm for Michele and a enormous gap for us all. I will remember Tom with much fondness and love.

Nancy and Edwin Hill

April 29, 2022

We are so sorry to learn of the passing of Tom. It has always been a lift to my day when he would smile and greet us. We loved seeing him at the symphony and elsewhere.

Robert & Silvana Richardson

April 29, 2022

Glad that we made the trip to Chicago to experience "Hamilton" -- at Tom's urging.
And glad that we got to experience "The Book of Mormon" in Madison.

June Reinert

April 29, 2022

Michele, my thoughts are with you. Tom was one of a kind, what a beautiful obituary. It captured Tom to a tee. I always enjoyed visiting with Tom. I will be in touch with you for lunch. I will see you at the funeral. June

Bonnie Daines

April 29, 2022

Hi Michele. So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. What a wonderful, gentle and kind soul. Always loved the twinkle in his eyes and his smile. Always made me feel that he was so happy to see me. He made people feel good. Because of a previous commitment I am unable to attend the gathering Monday. Please know you are in my prayers and am sending you a HUGE hug. Bonnie Daines

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