Thomas H. Berghoff

Thomas Henry Berghoff

Of Avon, IN died Tuesday, March 25, 2014 in Indianapolis, IN from Plasma Cell Leukemia. His family was with him in the hospital during his short battle with the disease. He was born in Ft. Wayne, IN on August 29, 1934 and was the son of Kathryn and Dr. Raymond J. Berghoff of Ft. Wayne.

He is survived by his former wife, Rhonda P. Berghoff (Clemens); his sister, Margaret Tate; his favorite brother-in-law, Michael Tate; sister, Sal O'hara (Mike) and brother, William Berghoff (Mary). His brother Jim Berghoff preceded him in death, but survived by his spouse Rita. Tom had five children, all married, blessing him with 16 grandchildren. His children include Air Force Col. (Ret) Thomas A. Berghoff (Liana) of Los Angeles, CA; their children Taylor, Michael, Brenna and Mathew; son, Michael R. Berghoff (Kristin) of Indianapolis, IN and their children, Lauren, Ellyn and John Robert; son, John M. Berghoff (Renee) of Chicago, IL and their children Natalie and Evan; daughter, Laura Bless (Scott) of Bloomington, IN and their sons, Charlie and Tate and son, Dr. Keenan Berghoff (Molly) of Kansas City, MO and their children, Hannah, Grace, Luke, Max and Jack.

He was an entrepreneur opening the Why Not? restaurant and Uncle Tom's Auto Parts both of Ft. Wayne. He also held sales management positions with automotive component suppliers including Maremont Mufflers and Napa Auto parts. After retiring he worked part time for a promotional company marketing the Indianapolis Colts in retail outlets. He attended St. Jude Catholic Grade School and Central Catholic High School both in Ft. Wayne prior to graduating from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He served as Army Specialist 5th class before returning to Ft. Wayne to marry Rhonda P. Clemens in 1959. They were married 25 years. He was a member of St. Jude Parish while in Ft. Wayne until he moved to Indianapolis in 1985. He became a member of Saint Susanna Parish in Plainfield, IN. until he died. He enjoyed a cold long neck Budweiser, visiting sister Margaret in Kansas City, was an avid Indianapolis Colts fan holding season tickets since the inaugural season. He enjoyed attending Notre Dame football games for over 70 years and playing golf with friends, his sons and son in law. He had a great sense of humor and communication skills both called upon when master of ceremony for his Central Catholic reunion and the St. Jude Jubilee.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2014 in St. Jude Catholic Church, with calling one hour prior. Calling will also be on Friday, March 28, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Chapel , 1140 Lake Ave., with a vigil at 4:00 p.m. To sign the online guestbook, go to: http://www.mccombandsons.com