Tom Strasburger

Thomas T. Strasburger, 93, of Gordon, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday Dec. 31, 2019 at the Western Nebraska Veteran’s Home in Scottsbluff. The funeral services will be held Jan. 6, 1:30 PM at Pleasant Point Community Church with Pastor Jason Gantz officiating. Burial at Gordon Cemetery with a fellowship to follow at the Gordon Berean Church. A memorial has been established at the Western Nebraska Veteran’s Home Scottsbluff, NE.

Tom was born to Harrison and Theodosia (Ware) Strasburger on March 29, 1926 in Alliance, Neb. As a young boy he attended Dist. 131, where he helped in teaching math, an area in which he really shined. After attending high school in Alliance for 2 years, he transferred to Gordon High School, graduating in 1943. Tom was called into the army in 1944 to serve in WWII. His time in the military was spent in the European theatre, mainly in Germany and Austria. He was honorably discharged August 1946 with a designation of Supply Sergeant. He often shared that he was “in and out of the military before he was 21.”

He married Carol M. Peterson on June 30, 1950. To this union 5 children were born. Tom spent his life ranching in Sheridan County on the ranch that his father homesteaded. He had a great concern for the freedom of our country. He served in the Army and also locally—driving to Lincoln many times, losing sleep and time away from his family to help lobby for laws to keep our lives free from an imposing government and to try to help protect our rights and freedoms. Tom kept himself informed and did his best to inform others.

After being widowed, Tom married Kay Lindsey of Gordon, Neb., on Jan. 9, 1999. They resided south of Gordon, where he enjoyed welding and various shop projects. He was also an active member of the Gordon Berean Church, faithfully passing out bulletins each Sunday. He also enjoyed attending weekly Bible studies. In Aug. of 2018 Tom moved to Western Nebraska Veteran’s Home in Scottsbluff, where he made many new friends, enjoyed bingo, and attended Bible study. The excellent care received there was greatly appreciated.

He is survived by his wife Kay, Mitchell, NE; sister-in-law, Bernita Strasburger, Sommerset, SD. His family: Dina Luscher (Fred), Granville, Illinois; Son-in-law, Wayne Sterkel (Joni), Martin, South Dakota; Sid Strasburger (Sherry), Ellsworth, NE; Carmen Palmer (Shannon), Westcliffe, CO; Cindy Nielson (Malcom), Ellsworth, NE; Linda Strasburger, Rushville, NE. Kay’s family: Beth (Don) Brush, Morrill, NE; Janet (Ken) Griffith, Broken Bow, NE; Scott (Phyllis) Lindsey, Gordon, NE; Dan (Angel) Lindsey, Chadron, NE. From these unions, are 24 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Robert and Dudley; his wife, Carol; daughter-in-law, Sherry; and grandson, Kyle.

Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.