Tobe Jae Strong was born on April 19, 1958, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Jacqueline Betty (Leach) and Paul Francis Strong.
He graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1976 and earned his associate’s degree from Michigan Tech in 1979.
Tobe grew up on Austin Lake, where he spent nearly his entire life. In his younger years, he was an avid water skier, competing in tournaments and taking pride in his Ski Nautique boat. Later, he went on to get his Pilot’s License and bought a four-seat Maule airplane. He loved flying so much that he built his own hanger and runway at the farm, so he could fly whenever he liked.
Tobe married Rene Sue Harmeyer, and together they raised two children, Tyler and Claire. A devoted provider, Tobe made sure his family always had what they needed—and more. Some of their fondest memories include tubing on Austin Lake behind his boat and his lessons on how to water ski, moments that will be cherished forever.
Later in life, Tobe began hauling steel coils and eventually started long-haul trucking with Modular Transportation. In 2018, he built a semi for hauling asphalt during the summer, where he went on to work with Michigan Paving and Rieth-Riley. Throughout his trucking career he developed deep, life long friendships. No matter what he was doing in a truck, farming remained his constant. He maintained Strong Farms with unwavering dedication, working side by side with his father and son.
He is survived by his children, Tyler (Katie) Strong and Claire (Jeff) Kidney; and his beloved grandchildren, Jax, Adaline, Emmy, Eric, and Ryan. Tobe was incredibly proud of the people his children have become and found great happiness in being “Grandpa.” He made sure there was always a never-ending supply of popsicles, candy, and pop for the grandkids—and memories of dirt bike and Gator rides around the farm will be remembered forever.
Also surviving are his sister, Terri (Mark) Irving; his Uncle Roy Strong; his Aunt Agnes Strong Bultema; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Tobe’s friends, many of whom have been in his life for decades, were true and deeply valued.
He was a man of few words, with the work ethic of an entire army. On September 4, 2025, Tobe unexpectedly passed away from cardiac complications while doing what he did best—working. He left this world the way he would’ve wanted to: with his work boots on.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 2–6 PM at The Strong Farm, 12615 S 28th Street, Vicksburg. Food and beverages will be provided, with a bonfire to follow.
To share memories or condolences, please visit his memorial page at langelands.com.
