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FENTON, Iowa-- Thomas H. Struecker was born July 8, 1949 to John and Dawn (Vaudt) Struecker. He attended Seneca and Sentral Schools before earning a degree in animal husbandry from Iowa State University. While in college he married his high school sweetheart, Hollee Krause, on Nov. 27, 1970. They shared nearly 50 years until Hollee's death. Their union welcomed three children: Michele, Nathan and Micaya.
Tom worked as a soil conservationist in Mount Ayr, Allison and Denison, Iowa before returning to farm in rural Fenton. He had many hobbies and interests. His appreciation for the outdoors and hunting began early and continued throughout his life. He enjoyed stamp and coin collecting, reading history, playing cribbage and poker, golfing, music and dancing.
Travel was an especially important part of Tom's life. While walking beans, he would plan the family's August road trips across North America. With a tent packed for the journey, they explored campgrounds, national parks, museums and other points of interest throughout Canada, the lower 48 states and parts of Mexico.
In more recent years, Tom and his friend, Connie Lowry, shared many adventures, traveling together throughout the U.S. and internationally until his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in early 2024.
After a long, courageous battle with cancer Tom passed away on Oct. 26, 2026, after having taken part in his last harvest.
Left to remember the stories of Tom's life are his children: Michele (Keith) Espe, Nathan (Danielle) Struecker and Micaya (Dallas) Wiener; his grandchildren: Waverly Espe, Thomas Espe, Violet Espe, Sydnee Struecker, Blake Struecker, Noelle Wiener, Malea Wiener, Haidyn Wiener; special friend Connie Lowry and her family, his brother Timothy (Diane) Struecker; and many relatives and friends.
In keeping with Tom's wishes, no funeral or formal service will be held. At a later date, Connie will host a small, private gathering for her family and friends to share stories and memories of Tom.
Memorials may be directed to the hospice unit of Kossuth Regional Health Center, 1515 S. Phillips St, Algona IA 50511