Thomas Theodore Streling

Thomas Theodore Streling, 78, a hardworking and respectful man, passed away July 12, 2022 at Munson Medical Center with his beloved wife by his side. Tom was born on April 24, 1944 in Detroit to the late Ottis Helmer and Marjorie Marilyn (MaLaughlin) Streling. Tom graduated from Flat Rock High School and then enlisted in the United States Airforce. He served honorably from 1962 to 1966, spending most of his time in Elmendorf, Alaska. On June 7, 1980, Tom married Karol Anne Cavanary in Garden City. Following his time in the service he worked in the world of finance which led him to a career in vacuum sales. He was an incredible sales man who also had a knack for fixing and refurbishing machines. This led him to owning and operating his three stores in Ionia, Greenville and Charlotte. He could fix any make and model and his machines were always immaculate. A life long dream to move up north to Traverse City finally came true in 1993, when he found property on Union street. Here he owned and operated Grand Traverse Vacuum and Streling Antiques. Antiques became his passion, and soon he was renowned for his work with antiques. He and Karol made an incredible team and traveled all over the country participating in antique trade shows. He was an incredible man who enjoyed working hard and always showed up early for everything. He loved his Dodge Dually and was a master at packing it full to the brim. He enjoyed long distance driving and was a master at navigation. When he wasn’t restoring antiques he enjoyed reading and was quite knowledgeable about all things civil war related. He was respectful to all, kind and genuine. He will be so dearly missed. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, sister Katherine Carroll, sister Betty Ferkovich, brother Ottis Streling, and his son Tommy and wife Kathy in 1979. Tom is survived by his best friend, partner and wife of 42 years, Karol; his sisters Karen Caughey and Nancy Tobias both of Nevada; and many other extended family members and friends. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal services. Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to American Cancer Society, Cherryland Humane Society or the a charity of one’s choice.

Thomas Theodore Streling

April 24, 1944 - July 12, 2022