Obituaries

Thomas J. Strait, age 55, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, June 19th at his home with his two beloved dogs—Emma and Hank by his side. Loyal to the end, Tom always commented that even though he rescued Emma and Hank, they actually rescued him. Tom was a dedicated caregiver beginning with his work at Karmenta, in Madison, followed by his work as a technician at a research dialysis center in the Twin Cities and eventually back to Madison when he joined the UW-Hospital and Clinics as a senior phlebotomist. He worked at the UW Hospital for more than 10 years and during that time he received many letters and commendations from patients across the nation and the world for his gentle and compassionate nature. His care was often specifically requested by patients and medical staff frequently asked for him to complete difficult blood draws. Ultimately, complications of his life-long battle with Type 1 Diabetes and end-stage renal failure were too much for his body to handle. To his friends and his community, he was a charming person who would step in and help whoever and whenever he could. To his nieces and nephews, he was their “crazy uncle” who would always tease them with a slug to the arm or an arm-wrestling match, and would plan or join in on any family prank that was hatched, most notably “the spell,” the trolls, the three wise men, and the pie plate! To his siblings and their spouses, he was the brother who would exasperate us, make us split our sides with laughter and cause us to shed countless tears when medical conditions would ravage his body time and time again. To his mom and dad (step-father), he was a source and recipient of unwavering pride and love. Tom was preceded in death by his father Kenneth John Strait, his brother Todd Strait, his step-brother Tim Kline and infant twin sisters, Tammy and Toni Strait. Tom is survived by his mother and step-father Rita and Jim Kline, his brother Tim (Beth) Strait, his sister-in law Vicki Strait-Munns (Rick Munns) his step-sister Sherry Kline and his step-brother Randy Kline as well his many loving nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind lifelong friends Dana Johnston, Martha McCamy and Faye McCamy as well as countless friends, cousins, co-workers, neighbors and caregivers dear to his heart both in the Spring Green and Madison areas. Tom’s family would like to offer special thanks to the caregivers and staff at UW Hospital and Clinics for the outstanding care they provided Tom throughout the years. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, July 27, from 12:00-3:00 pm on the Strait Family Farm, E6064 Hwy 60, in rural Spring Green, WI. A private graveside service for the immediate family will follow at a later date.