Thomas K. Striffler

Thomas K. Striffler of Caro, age 71, passed away following a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at home, surrounded by the love of his family. Tom was born June 3, 1952 in Flint, the son of the late Delvin & Martha (Kane) Striffler. He was raised in a loving yet disciplined home in Caro and fondly remembered Sunday dinners with his grandparents and time spent helping his father at his car dealership. He graduated from Caro High School with the class of 1970 and later earned an engineering degree from General Motors Institute in Flint. While at GMI, he served in a co-op position with Saginaw Steering Gear, later called Delphi, in what would become a thirty-three year career with the company, retiring in 2003. He was united in marriage with Carol J. Paul on August 23, 1975 in Bay City and the couple has cherished forty-eight loving years together.

Tom was a devoted Christian and practiced his faith by helping others. He followed a moral compass provided by the Lord’s teachings and believed in doing what is right, even if it isn’t popular. He was raised in the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Caro and remained with the congregation when it merged to become the Caro United Methodist Church. He held countless positions within the church and was willing to do anything as long as it didn’t involve preaching or singing. He served as a witness to the Lord’s love throughout his life, even in his final days.

Tom was a steadfast advocate and dedicated servant to the City of Caro. He cultivated a love for the community in others and exuded optimism about the potential of a small town if people simply came together with common purpose. He was instrumental in the development of the Chippewa Landing Park and the iconic bridge that spans the Cass River. Tom was Caro’s first mayor following its transition to cityhood and was selected as the 2008 Caro Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. He was also honored as a Distinguished Alumnus of Caro Schools, served as a board member of the Tuscola County Community Foundation, the Neal Sisters Foundation, and spent many years as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters in Caro.

He was most proud of the family he and Carol created and was a constant support to his two children. He enjoyed coaching Little League when the kids were younger, and later softball with Caro High School. In retirement, he enjoyed the simple pleasures of watching his grandchildren and tending to his garden. Tom loved the peace of Lake Huron at his childhood cottage in Broken Rocks of Port Austin. It remained a sanctuary for him, reflecting the beauty of God’s earth, and will continue to bless the family through future generations.

Left to cherish Tom’s memory are his wife, Carol; two children and their spouses, Christian & Sarah Striffler of Augusta, Bethany & Matt Kirk of Fairgrove; three grandchildren, Mia, Nolan, and Wesley; one sister and her husband, Sharon & Patrick Oriel of Glen Arbor; stepsister, Joann Tomlinson of Caro; many nieces, nephews, friends, and his beloved cocker spaniel, Buster. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his stepfather, Reid Thurston.

In keeping with Tom’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 1, 2023 at the Caro United Methodist Church with Pastor Robert Demyanovich officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Caro United Methodist Church, Tuscola County Community Foundation, or the Good Samaritan Fund.