Thomas S. “Tom” Strawbridge died peacefully of natural causes Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 at Amberwood Care Center in Rockford. The son of L. R. “Bud” Strawbridge and Isla (Whitsell) Strawbridge, Tom was born March 21, 1952 in DeKalb.
Tom attended grade school in Rochelle, and high school in Oregon. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on Nov. 9, 1969 and was stationed at Kaiserslautern, Germany where he served as a supply clerk. He was honorably discharged in 1972. “Pops,” as he was known to his wide circle of friends, enjoyed a variety of jobs but identified most affectionately his years as a bartender, barber, insurance agent, car salesman, and restaurateur. He never met a stranger and relished his connections with people.
Surviving are his son, Christopher “Kit” (Julie) Strawbridge of High Point, N.C.; grandsons, Joshua (Alex) Burcham and Jarred (Kenzie) Burcham and great-granddaughter, Averie. Also, surviving are sisters Linda R. Daub of Chana, Donna (Tom) Heid of Cape Haze, Fla., and Aunt Marjorie (Strawbridge) Gregory of Cottonwood, Ariz., as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends who cared.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Darrell Daub; niece, Angela Daub-Bergstrom and significant other, Debra Matheny.
At Tom’s wishes cremation will take place. Assistance to the family was graciously accorded by Tim at Honquest Family Funeral Homes with Crematory. Family also wishes to acknowledge Rochelle Community Hospital, Amberwood Care Center, Unity Hospice and the VA Hospital of Madison for the kind and respectful care he received in his final days. Due to Covid-19 restrictions memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tom’s name may be given to Rochelle Fire Department Ambulance Service or Lifescape Meals on Wheels program, both of which were active participants in Tom’s care in the past several years.
