Tom Michael Stranberg

Tom Michael Stranberg

Tom Michael Stranberg, also known as Falcon, Big T, and Chief, died June 19, 2021 in Ocala, Fl of complications following surgery. Tom's family and his dear friend Jan Kiszonak were by his side. Tom was a kindhearted and generous man who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Tom was born on March 23, 1950, the second of 3 sons born to John P. and Helen (Eifealdt) Stranberg. Tom grew up in Sheboygan. He graduated from North High School and LTI. He worked for a time at Kohler and in 1973 joined the Sheboygan Fire Department where he worked for the next 28 years. Tom's caring personality was well suited to his career as a fireman. He loved serving the community and especially cherished the camaraderie and lifelong friendships that he shared with his fireman brothers. As a single man, Tom often volunteered to switch shifts with his married friends so that they could spend holidays with their wives and children. In return when they paid him back, he could spend his "40 days and 40 nights" in Florida using very little vacation time. Tom loved Florida and after retirement he ditched his parkas, boots and snowblower and bought a condo in Ocala, Florida. He would then spend 40 days in summer returning to Sheboygan to reconnect with family and his many friends. Tom could, for sure, be spotted at The Moose, OTH, Schultz's, Swovy's/Sharpie's and at numerous picnics each summer.

Tom was friendly and outgoing and made friends wherever he went. He was a great family man, teammate, coworker, and friend. He was always there to lend a helping hand, offer a shoulder to lean on, or buy you a beer to help you celebrate.

Tom was athletic and especially enjoyed playing and coaching softball. Over the years he played on many different successful teams including: Snafu, Tubby's, Val's, and Sheboygan Firefighters. He was honored in 2006 to be inducted into the Sheboygan Softball Hall of Fame. Tom also enjoyed many great times with his friends on his bowling team throughout the years.

Tom loved his family and was always there to celebrate special events. He cherished time spent with his family and friends. His nieces and nephews and great niece and nephews always looked forward to spending time with Uncle Tom. Tom and his brothers John and Paul were very close and created wonderful memories together. Tom lived next door to his parents for years and was a helpful and loving caretaker to them.

Tom liked to travel and especially enjoyed his annual trips to Laughlin, Nevada. While there, he of course, made friends and could be found toting a cooler full of Sheboygan cheese and sausage to share with them. His many Florida friends also got to experience a "taste of Sheboygan" when Tom would return from his summers in Sheboygan.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, aunts and uncles, and cousin, Ted Eifealdt. He is survived by his brothers: John (Wynne) and Paul (Cheryl); Nieces: Tracy (Randy) Johannsen and Catherine Stranberg; Nephews: Matt (Angie) Stranberg and their children Jerald, Weston, and Maverick, and Erik (Emily) Stranberg and their children Liz and Jackson. Tom is further survived by several cousins and many, many friends including his special friend Jan Kiszonak.

Friends are invited to join the family at the Elks Club (1943 Erie Ave. Sheboygan) on Saturday, July 31st from 1:00-4:00 to celebrate Tom's life and enjoy a drink on Tom. A time of visitation and support starting at 1:00 will be followed at 2:30 by a time of remembrance and prayer. The Sheboygan Firemen's Honor Guard will be present.

In lieu of flowers, memorials for Tom can be given to Sheboygan Firefighter's Charities or to a charity of your choice. Memorials for Tom can be mailed to John Stranberg at N6221 Kapur Dr. Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085.