Former President and CEO of Citizen's State Bank, Ontonagon, Thomas M. Strong passed away on January 18, 2026. Tom was born on July 31, 1937 to Dr. William F. Strong and Gertrude (Helmbrecht) Strong. Tom was raised on the family farm with his brother Dr. James P. Strong and sisters Sally (Strong) Menigoz and Mary Lynne (Strong) Makimaa.

Tom attended Ontonagon Area Schools and graduated in 1955. He attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Suomi College in Hancock and NMU in Marquette, graduating in 1963. He began his banking career on April 1, 1964, at CSB, attended NMU School of Banking Class of '64 and graduated from Stonier Graduate School of Banking in 1973 in New Jersey.

Tom always said God put him here to help people and he hoped he had done that. He was very active in community and business organizations.

Tom always had a story and a joke to tell and made friends very easily. Tom said "God gives everyone one special friend and his was Hubba Maki, his fishing partner. When Hubba died in 1996 a part of Tom went with him.

Tom is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Clarice "Charlie" (Larson) Strong, sons Christopher, PhD and Greg (Jennifer) Strong; grandchildren, Adella (Peter) Starakiewicz, Marine Strong, Trevor (Ayla) Strong, Nicolas (Alexis) Strong and Alex Strong; and 3 great grandchildren. Sister Sally (Strong) Menigoz, Sharon Larson; nieces, nephews, cousins and many cherished friends.

Tom was preceded in death by Dr. William F. Strong, Gertrude (Helmbrecht) Strong, mother-in-law Cecelia (DeCaire) Larson, father-in-law Phillip Larson, sister Mary Lynne (Strong) Makimaa, sister-in-law Florence Strong, brothers-in-law Larry Makimaa, Roger Menigoz, Don Larson and Keith Larson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Eagles Club in Ontonagon, MI.

Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.