ELKHART- Thomas R. “Tom” Strukel, 86, of Elkhart, passed away Saturday February 17, 2024, at East Lake Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.  He was born December 4, 1937, in Elkhart, Indiana to Matthew & Kathryn (Pavlick) Strukel.

     On August 21, 1982, in Elkhart, Indiana he married Eleanor B. “Elli” Briggs.  She survives along with his son, Mitchell (Renee) Strukel; 2 stepdaughters, Renee (Mitch) D’Amour, 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 -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 11:00 a.m. till the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. Saturday February 24, 2024.  Fr. Bartholomew Okorie from St. Vincent dePaul 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 dePaul Catholic Church.