FENTON — Thomas Herman “Tom” Struecker, 77, of rural Fenton, died October 26, 2026, in hospice care after taking part in his final harvest. A farmer and former soil conservationist, Tom balanced a lasting attachment to the land with a curiosity that carried him to every inhabited continent.
No formal services will be held, in accordance with his wishes.
Tom was born July 8, 1949, to John and Dawn (Vaudt) Struecker. He attended Seneca and Sentral schools before earning a degree in animal husbandry at Iowa State University.
While in college, he married his high school sweetheart, Hollee Edith Krause, on November 27, 1970. Their marriage lasted nearly 50 years, and they raised three children: Michele, Nathan and Micaya.
His early career took him to Mount Ayr, Allison and Denison, where he worked as a soil conservationist. He later returned to rural Fenton to farm, establishing the home base from which so many family adventures began.
Even while walking bean fields, Tom would be thinking ahead to the family’s August road trip. With a tent packed for the journey, they explored campgrounds, national parks, museums and roadside stops across the lower 48 states, Canada and parts of Mexico.
After his children grew up, Tom continued traveling on his own. He visited much of Europe and considered Prague an especially beautiful destination. In the Caribbean, he explored beneath the water through snorkeling and scuba diving. His Australian travels took him along the coast and into the outback.
More recently, he traveled with Connie to Alaska and on a Southeast Asian cruise, where he enjoyed playing poker. Those trips came before his pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Wherever his travels took him, the farm remained a place he wanted to return to.
Tom’s interests were wide-ranging at home, too. Hunting and time outdoors had appealed to him since childhood. He collected stamps, read history and played cribbage and poker, particularly during the winter months. Golf, music and dancing also brought him enjoyment.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, Michele and Keith Espe, Nathan and Danielle Struecker, and Micaya and Dallas Wiener.
His grandchildren are Noelle Wiener, Waverly Espe, Malea Wiener, Sydnee Struecker, Haidyn Wiener, Thomas Espe, Blake Struecker and Violet Espe. He also leaves his brother and sister-in-law, Timothy and Diane Struecker, along with many cousins, friends and fellow travelers.
Memories and condolences may be shared through Tom’s tribute page at Lentz Funeral Home.
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