Please accept my most sincere sympathies to Tom's loving family. I am deeply saddened by the news that I received today on Tom's passing. I have not seen Tom since our SIU-SDM days, but my memories of Tom will always make me laugh and smile. Tom was a great classmate, friend and a most talented dentist. May God continue to look over you and know that Tom will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

-Bob & Kristin Peters, San Clemente, California

Best dentist ever....I don't know how many dentist I've gone through to find Dr. Straka.  Loved his stories and adventures!!!  God Bless!!!--  Gavina Family

TO:  The Straka Family
FROM:  Hutchinson Family (dental patients - Adriane, Fred, and Jade)

I was shocked to hear about the passing of Dr. Tom Straka.  I have been a dental patient for at least 15 years now and was greatly impressed by his love to serve people without dental insurance and the caring touch he provided to his patients.  Nancy (mom), Vivian (wife), and Dr. Tim (brother), and the rest of the Straka family have our deepest sympathy and prayers for peace and comfort.  Treasure your best and favorite memories and keep God and Dr. Tom close to your heart always.

God Bless!

I have gone to Dr. Straka for 15 years. He always made me feel comfortable and I loved the challenge of trying to hold a conversation while getting my teeth examined. He and his family are extremely kind hearted.. I was shocked and saddened to hear the news. I know the dentist's office, and the world won't be the same without him. Bless Tom and his family!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Straka family.

I heard from a mutual friend at the most recent NSB meeting about Tom and was just totally shocked.  Tom was just a great guy, always happy and helping out.  Dedicated to his profession, family, friends, and of course hunting. I will truly miss him. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.  I hope that the many good memories that you experienced with him and those that all his friends are sharing with you will ease the pain of his loss.  I was fortunate to know him. With Deepest Sympathy, Dave Lewis DDS

I was shocked Saturday, Oct. 16th, to hear from Dr. Tim that Dr. Tom had passed away.  I loved him as my dentist--he improved my smile 100% over the years I had been a patient and made me smile as well as he chattered away while doing his work.  I actually looked forward to going to the dentist. My deepest sympathy to his family and all who knew him--he was a great guy and I will miss him a lot. Thanks Tim for spending a half hour with me talking about Tom--I am very sorry I missed the chance to say good-bye.  I look forward to my next appointment with you but have to say I still am having a difficult time with this--I am sure your grief is 1,000 times greater.  I will keep you all in my prayers and hope in time you will come to a peaceful place.  Love to you all.

To the Straka family - no words can express the sadness I felt when I heard of Dr. Tom's passing.  My thoughts are with you and may you find peace and comfort in wonderful memories.

My deepest sympathy to your entire family. I've been a patient of Tom and Tim for almost twenty-years, and had many great conversations with Tom about his travel/hunting trips. God Bless you Tom.

David Bledsoe

To the Straka Family, I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Tom.  My most sincere sympathy to the entire family.  You are all in my prayers.

To the Straka family - My heartfelt sympathy to all of you. I will keep you in my prayers.

Tom was one-of-a-kind and a great friend.  He was the most driven and giving individual I have ever known. Tom will be on my mind and in my thoughts forever. My deepest sympathies to Viv and all of the Straka family.
The Gotski family

Tom, was my good friend, I can't tell you the pain I felt upon hearing of his passing. Tom was someone that always brought a smile and laughs to any situation. He made the years at SIU-SDM a source of good memories, some that I have treasured and will continue to do so for years to come.Viv and family please accept my love and prayers and know that I will always keep you close in my thoughts. Friendship is s flame that remains kindled for eternity. Sincerely, Don Staten

I am saddened to learn of Tom's passing.  I enjoyed the years we spent together in dental school.  The SIU-SDM Class of 1987 has lost a vital member of the family.  Walter F. Rongey

I was very saddened to hear about the loss to all of us, but especially you.  I haven't seen Tom since Dental School, but when I think back to those days Tom's smile and laughter always come up. My prayers for you all!!

All of the Straka family--I'm very sorry to hear about Tom.  He was always a good and kind dentist to my family. May you find comfort in your memories of him.

We are so sorry for your loss of Tom.  Every year we looked so forward to Tom and Viv's Christmas card with such humor and wonder on how he caught all those animals.  He will be truly missed.  The Whitson's

My thoughts and prayers are with the Straka family...In addition to being a great dentist, Tom was a wonderful person. I always looked forward on my checkup visits to hearing about his latest hunting adventure. He definitely lived a large life. I will miss him greatly both as my dentist and as a person. Take comfort in the many happy memories you have of him.

Thank you Everyone for your prayers and well wishes. Tom was an incredible person. So many friends and so full of life. He will be missed beyond words.  We as a family are all supporting each other and getting through this as best as we can.
Love, Tina (Straka) and Todd Wysocki

My dearest Straka family,
I will forever miss Tom. His passing has hit me just as hard as when my father passed. I will never forget Tom and our talks. We could talk and joke about anything. He was like a very close brother to me. I just can't believe he is gone. I will always be around for you the Straka family if ever you need me. Love always.

The Ray Tiedeman family would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Tom Straka family. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Ray, Cindy, Christina, Andy, Arlen, and Shenne.

We were so sorry to hear of Tom's passing.  Please know the entire Straka family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Nancy & Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Tom & Holli Thoren & Joyce Groski

To the Straka family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

The Mark Haley family extends our deepest sympathy. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers!

To the entire Straka family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss.Our heart goes out to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. May his many happy memories bring you comfort at this time of need. 
The entire Arnold Family.
Ingleside IL.-Springhill Fl.

To the family of Tom Straka.  We are so sorry to hear of your loss.  Our prayers are with you.  We will miss you Tom.  Dan and Ann Parpan ( Grayslake, IL)

I was so incredibly sorry to hear of Tom's passing.  I have such sweet memories of Tom as a childhood friend.  I believe he had the cutest smile I had ever seen.  My heart goes out to the Strake family.  My prayers are with you all.  Love, Cindy (Tiedeman) Conry

To the Straka family, sorry to have read about the loss of Tom. Just knowing Tom for many years as our family dentist and his out going personality, he made us feel like family. We will all surely miss Tom. May God be with the Straka family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

I was so sorry to hear of your loss.  The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

I am so sorry for your loss, although I did not know him very well, he seemed like such a kind and gentle man. This is such a terrible loss for you and for all that knew him.  May he rest in peace.  Becky Haught, Dr Dillon's nurse (Cary, Ill)

Our condolences to you all on your loss.
Bill & Kim Dierks, Waukegan

To my dearest Vivian, and the entire Straka family, we send our deepest sympathy and love. Tom touched so many of us with his kindness, humor, wisdom and  generosity. We will miss him so much.  

All our love, 
Mark, Samantha and Luciano Mangioni

I am so sorry about your loss.  Only time will heal your pain.  Then memories will warm your heart once again.  He was such a wonderful and warm person with a beautiful smile. 

Leslie Roberts Sorensen

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.

GCHS Retired

To the family and friends of Tom, my deepest sympathy.  My memories of Tom are all good.  He was an excellant student and wrestler and made my days at Grayslake Community H. S. most enjoyable.  May he continue to be a BAGUBA (ask TIM) in heaven.  Coach Jon C. Peterson, Ellison Bay, WI

I will be with all the Strakas on Sunday and Monday and I have been with you in spirit since Tim's phone call.  Please, God, lift their hearts to remember the good and blessed times with Tom.

Dear Terry & Zel, I'm sorry to have read the news of your loss. If your brother was anything like you Terry, I'm certain that he will be sadly missed ! He's in a better place and you WILL see him again. Take care and God Bless You. Sincerely, Larry Loef.

Terry, our prayers and thoughts are with  your family.

Tom was simply the most beautiful, classy individual I have ever met. Viv, my heart goes out to you and all the Straka family.  All the best from Michele and the rest of the Glende family.

To Vivian and everyone in the Straka family our deepest sympathies, you are always in our thoughts and prayers. We will always remember all the good time we had with all of you.  
Love always

God bless you and comfort you during this time. My prayers are with you and your families.

I will always remember the many laughs Tom and I shared, especially during those years in dental school together.  My condolences to Vivian, Nancy, Tim, Carol and the entire Straka family.

to the straka family. i am sadden to hear of your loss. my deepest sympathy to the extended family. i will remember tom with a smile.

Tracy, my condolence to you and the rest of your family. Our thoughts and prayers with you.
  Jim Sowa

To Viv and the rest of the Straka family, please know you're in our thoughts and prayers. Tom will remain in our hearts forever.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Our deepest sympathy to Terry and  the Straka family and friends.
May God comfort you during this
difficult time..

To the Straka Family.We are sadden to hear your loss. Tom was truely an inspiration. Our deepest sympathies.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have many great memories of Tom from our old neighborhood. May God give you comfort in your time of need.

May God bless your family in your time of sorrow.

I flew my Cessna today.  My flight was dedicated to Tom.  All of Tom's family is in my prayers during this difficult time.  God bless his soul.

My deepest sympathy to the Straka family. I will remember Tom very fondly. God bless you my friend.

so very sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers to the family hilda and larry thomas

we are sorry to hear about your loss larry and hild thomas

May the Lord confort you during your sorrow, because the Lord will turn it to joy; when you remember Tom for how he impacted the lives of many people to bring them joy, love, happiness and laughter. 

My Love, Prayers and Blessings for you, Vivian and the entire family. 

God Bless,
Maria

My deepest sympathy. To the Straka family. Tom was a great friend an man to be charished. TO the family your in my thoughts.

May God comfort you during this difficult time. Tom will be missed by all that knew him. With deepest sympathies,

My heart is with Tom's family & with Tim & his family. Anything we can do we will be there! We love you! Monica Lundeen

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May God give you comfort. Bless you.

My prayers go out to Tom's family and friends.  May God be with you during this most difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

To the Straka Family, we send our deepest sympathy. We are sad to hear the news of the passing of Tom and our prayers are with you during this difficult time. We have fond memories of Tom and will cherish them always.  May God give you peace and comfort during this time. Armando Tijerina

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Tom will be missed by all who loved him. With deepest sympathies,

Steve & Debbie (Vanderpas) Brzezinski

Viv, Dr. Tim, Nancy and the rest of Tom's wonderful family,  Tom was more than our dentist, he was our friend.  We pray that God will be with you during this difficult time. Karen and Bob Fink

May the love of family and friends help you through this loss.  You have our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers.

My most sincere sympathies to Tom's loved ones.  May you find peace in God's comfort, each other, and happy memories. Having lost my son in 2009 I can honestly empathize, and offer my prayers and a listening ear.  Please DO contact me if I can help in any way.

God's blessings,
Karen Peregrin Wessely

To the family of Tom Straka...I am sorry for your loss and praying for your family1~ God blessall of you in your time of sorrow. Lynda (Folz) Klee

The Don Rathunde family extends our deepest sympathy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Heaven has a brighter star.

To the family of Tom Straka,
Please know that the class of '79 will miss Tom. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Deb (Sorby) Dittmer

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. We miss you, Tom!

OBITUARY

Thomas L. Straka

Marsh Funeral Home

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