Thomas Hugo Strakeljahn

LANCASTER – Thomas Hugo Strakeljahn, age 70, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 5, 2026. He was born on June 5, 1956, in Watertown, the son of Robert and Evelyn (Wolff) Strakeljahn.

Thomas graduated from LaFollette High School and went on to earn his law degree, graduating Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Following law school, he began practicing law in Madison before making Lancaster his home in 1984. Thomas established his own law practice and was honored to have Terri Wood by his side from 1987 to the present. Terri was not only his right hand in the office, but also a trusted friend and someone he depended upon and loved dearly.

On September 22, 1990, Thomas was united in marriage to Pamela Basgall at Christ Lutheran Church in Lancaster. His family was the center of his life, and he loved his daughters and grandchildren dearly. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who would do anything for those he loved.

Thomas had a strong and abiding faith and was a true disciple of the Lord. He lived his faith through the way he cared for and supported others. He had a natural curiosity and a passion for technology, earning a reputation for being exceptionally “tech savvy.” He also enjoyed traveling, spending time at the family home in Florida, and cheering on Wisconsin sports teams.

Thomas will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his deep faith, his dedication to his legal career, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity, friendship, and willingness to help others.

Survivors include his loving wife, Pamela “Pastor Pam;” daughters: Bridget M. (Brian) Dencker, Tracie A. (Dave Childress) Dick, Kate “Katie” C. (Scott) Reuter; eight grandchildren: Michaela, Julia, and Olivia Dencker, Zander, Zoe and Zada Dick, Austin and Isabella Reuter; his siblings: David (Linda) Strakeljahn and Sandra Jenks; in-laws: Gerri (Ron) Kroepfl, George Basgall, Jean (Bruce) Barlow, Joan (Mike) Hustad, Susan (Robert) Abplanalp, Deborah (Thomas) Dillon, and Lawrence (Michael Schwabe) Basgall, Jr; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, Robert and Evelyn Strakeljahn, Thomas was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Lawrence and Elsie Basgall; brothers-in-law: Andrew Abplanalp and Bob Jenks; niece, Margaret “Maggie” Warner; and many aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory in Lancaster with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends may visit on Monday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. In honor of his wife’s dedication to Grant County Hospice, in lieu of plants and flowers, memorials may be given in Thomas’s memory to Grant County Hospice.