Thomas Leroy Strutt

Thomas Leroy Strutt (lovingly known to family and friends as Leroy), beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on September 8, 2025. Born on September 25, 1931, to Clifford and Twila Strutt, Tom lived a long and meaningful life rooted in faith, family, and farm values.

On January 27, 1951, Leroy married Marian Bentley in Madison, Wisconsin. Their 67 years of enduring partnership was the foundation of a devoted family, and together they lovingly raised three children: Tom, Jim, and Sandy.

Tom proudly served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956, where he was stationed at the Army Arctic Center at Fort Greely in Alaska. He and Marian made the adventurous move north during those years-a time he would fondly recall for the rest of his life as some of his happiest days.

After returning to Wisconsin, Tom earned a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, an institution he would remain loyal to throughout his life as a devoted Badgers fan.

Tom's professional journey included a range of roles that reflected his deep connection to agriculture and science: from working at the UW–Madison Agricultural Engineering Department's experimental research farm, to serving in the Department of Agriculture's Weights and Measures Division, to his role as a Livestock Marketing Specialist with Milwaukee Stockyards. Later, he worked as a Research Specialist in the UW–Madison Entomology Department, and from 1970 to 1990, he proudly contributed to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation.

But perhaps Leroy's greatest calling was not found in job titles or offices, but behind the pulpit. In 1968, he became a supply pastor at Middlebury Church, and from 1969 to 2025, he served as the dedicated lay pastor for Pleasant View Church. For 58 years, "Reverend Leroy" brought faith, warmth, and probably a few too many fishing metaphors into his sermons. He led with the same values he admired in his father and grandfathers: quiet kindness, deep respect, and unwavering faith in God - though occasionally interrupted by loud guffaws and "just one more story."

He is lovingly survived by his children: Tom (Jill) Strutt, Jim (Debbie) Strutt, and Sandy (Tim) Stadler; his sister, Carol and his grandchildren John, Steven, Kyle, J.C., Mackenzie, Cameron, Tyler, Connor, Tyler, and Sarah. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Damian, Kadence, Logan, William, Evelyn, Madilyn, Jackie, Lewis and Lennox, each of whom brought joy to his life and will continue to carry on his legacy. Leroy was preceded in death by his wife, Marian, brother, Dick, and his beloved granddaughter, Morgan.

Leroy was a storyteller at heart, known for jokes that grew taller with every retelling and for always finding a way to make people laugh. His life was marked by simple joys: cheering for the Packers, working the land at Strutt Farm, sharing Sunday mornings at church, and spending time with his family.

Leroy will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the lives he touched. A man of humble faith and great heart, Tom leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a faith that was as steady as his handshake.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 9:30 am until 11:00 am at Dodgeville United Methodist Church. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am with a luncheon to follow. Burial will occur at Ebenezer Eastside Cemetery in Ridgeway at 2:00pm. Online condolences may be made at www.houckfuneralhomes.com