Thomas "Tom" Lee Strouf

Thomas ‘Tom’ Lee Strouf

On Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, Thomas “Tom” Lee Strouf lost his six-year battle with Multiple Symptom Ataxia-Cerebellum. Born on Dec. 10, 1960, in West Yellowstone, to Truman and Pat Strouf, Tom made an impact on the lives of everyone he came into contact with.

As a child, Tom’s family moved often, due to his father’s government position. When he was older, they settled in Billings and Tom graduated from West High in 1979. In 1983, Tom married Lisa and they became the parents of Josh and Ashley. He loved being a dad and spending time with his kids. He loved to take them fishing and hunting, and was quite skilled at trap shooting and could be found there often on the weekends.

Tom owned Magic City Glass, a business he took over from his dad. He worked there many years before closing the doors to begin his career as an independent contractor. Tom’s heart drove everything he did. As a contractor, his honesty and genuine spirit were evident as he worked with his clients to make their dreams possible.

In 2003, Tom met the love of his life, Shelli Degner. Their relationship was built on love, adventure, and Harley Davidson. Many will remember Tom’s unique marriage proposal to Shelli, as he commissioned a billboard asking, “Shelli Degner, Will you ride Harleys with me for the rest of your life? Will you be my wife? Love, Tom Strouf.” (including his last name as if Shelli wouldn’t know which Tom was proposing). They were married in Sturgis on Aug. 9, 2005, and made the annual pilgrimage to celebrate their anniversary until Tom could no longer ride his bike to South Dakota. In 2005, Tom built their house for Shelli that would be their forever home. He poured his heart into creating a space family and friends would be able to gather.

His generosity was showcased in all that he did for others. From refinishing homes to shoveling the driveway of a stranger (who quickly became a friend), Tom found great joy in helping others. Whenever time and weather allowed, Tom would be found on his Harley. He loved the annual Poker Run to Red Lodge, the Toys for Tots Road Dog Toy Run, and any opportunity to get out on the open road and end the day at Tiny’s.

When Tom was diagnosed with MSA-C in 2015, his life changed drastically. The disease slowly robbed him of his freedoms, including his career and his Harley. However, through it all, he kept his sense of humor and chattiness. As his health deteriorated, the bond between Tom and Shelli strengthened as she took on the role of caregiver.

Tom will be remembered for his selflessness and sense of humor. Even when he was ill in the hospital, he loved his pranks on the doctors and nurses, laughing as often as he could. His family and friends will miss this thoughtful, caring man. Tom never met a stranger; he had the best stories and loved to visit with everyone he met. His kind and humble spirit touched so many and will never be forgotten.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Truman and Patsy Strouf. He is survived by his Warrior Princess wife, Shelli; the lights of his life, his son Josh (Jessica) and his children Khloe, Maddox, Henny and Athena; his daughter Ashley Stoddart (fiancé Sherif Aboud) and her children Wyatt and Rahmey; his daughter Cassie (Seth) Eaton and their daughter Halston; ex-wife, Lisa; and his siblings. He is also survived by his mother- and father-in-law, Dorothy and Don Rimmer; sister-in-law Kristy Mayala (Bryon) and children Reece and Lauren; sister-in-law Leslie Croaker (Shaun) and daughter Rylie, as well as his nieces and nephew Ally Brekke (Kyle) and their children; Kaitlin Taylor (Mike) and their children; Jake (Kate) Hagenbuch and their children.

Shelli would like to extend a sincere thanks to the nurses and doctors at Billings Clinic, the firefighters who answered the assist calls and the wonderful caregivers from Synergy who helped Tom at the end of his life. A special shout out to my sisters and their families and my daughter Casse and Seth for their unwavering support in answering my calls at all hours for help. And the many, many friends who were always there for support.

There will be a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave., followed by interment and a celebration of life.