Former President and CEO of Citizens State Bank, Ontonagon, Michigan, Thomas M. Strong passed away peacefully 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 Citizens State Bank, attended NMU School of Banking Class of '64 and graduated from Stonier Graduate School of Banking in 1973 in New Jersey.

Tom always said that God put him here to help people and he hoped he had done that. He was very active in community and business organizations, especially the Ontonagon Fishing Club and the Ontonagon Theater of Performing Arts, and on hot summer days, he was found tending his lawn and gardens.

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 Strong, PhD, and Greg (Jennifer) Strong; grandchildren, Adella (Peter) Starakiewicz, Marina Strong, Trevor (Ayla) Strong, Nicolas (Alexis) Strong and Alex Strong; and 3 great grandchildren. Sister Sally (Strong) Menigoz, sister-in-law Sharon Larson; nieces, nephews, cousins and many cherished friends.

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

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

Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.