Thomas Strickfaden Obituary

Thomas J. Strickfaden

Oct 16, 1946 - Sep 19, 2024

Mason

Thomas J. "Tom" Strickfaden, 77, of Mason and formerly of Sandusky, passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.

He was born Oct. 16, 1946, in Sandusky, to Joseph L. Strickfaden Jr. and Geraldine E. (nee Mack) Strickfaden.

Tom was a 1964 graduate of St. Mary High School in Sandusky and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in horticulture. Tom's life-long interest in landscaping began at Strickfaden's Garden Center, his family's business in Sandusky. After graduating from MSU, Tom put his horticulture degree to work in his family's business. Tom's ingenuity eventually encouraged Strickfaden's to expand to year-round with what would become a regionally renown Christmas Store. Tom's creativity led him to also found Santa's Choice, one of the original U.S. companies to import authentic blown-glass Christmas ornaments from Germany. Tom eventually represented lawn and garden manufacturer's products to growers and large retailers throughout the region. In retirement, Tom's early retailing roots led him to join the part-time JCPenney's team, a job and people he loved. Always looking for new ways to enjoy his passion for golf, Tom worked the last few years as a Starter with the City of Mason's Grizzly Golf Course.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Pamela (nee Nahrup) Strickfaden; children, Scott (Kimberlee) Strickfaden, Brian (Carolyn) Strickfaden, Jeffrey Strickfaden, Christine Hotze (Andy) Swallow, and Susan Hotze (Quinn) Vance; grandchildren, Kylee and Lucas Strickfaden, Landon and Jackson Strickfaden, Joseph Strickfaden, Brady, Davis, and Alex Swallow, Josh (Katie) Hotze, and Lydia Vance; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Ava, Isabell, and Cooper Thomas Hotze; sisters, Dona Ehrhardt and Ann Groff; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carol; brother-in-law, Leon Groff; and sister-in-law, Kate (nee Nahrup) Storch.

Visitation to celebrate Tom's life will be 10:45-11:45 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8815 E. Kemper Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45249. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 12 p.m. A reception will immediately follow Mass, where family and friends will come together to celebrate the life Tom lived.

Tom's memorial service will be 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, with visitation and a celebration of Tom's life following.

In honor of Tom's life, memorial contributions may be made to Sandusky Central Catholic Schools, 410 W. Jefferson St., Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, or First Tee Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky at www.firstteegcnky.org.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.