Photo courtesy of Smits Funeral Home - Dyer
Dyer, Indiana
Nov 22, 1952 – Feb 19, 2025
Anthony John Pratscher, age 72, of Griffith, IN, passed away on February 19, 2025. Loving brother of Debra Lamoureux, Linda (Vaughn) Lagestee, Martin (Janette) Pratscher, John Pratscher, James (Susan) Pratscher and Cara Castelli. Proud uncle of many nieces and nephews. Also survived by his partner Betty Hoeffner, and many cousins and friends. Preceded in death by his parents Gladys and Emil Pratscher and his cat Max.
An accomplished drummer, Tony crisscrossed the United States and Canada in the 1970s traveling with a band, making friends wherever he went. He spent the next 29 years working for the US Postal Service in Homewood, IL where he enjoyed his work and the folks and dogs along his route.
Tony donated his time to an anti-bullying organization as well as a local historical society. As a sports fan, the Chicago White Sox and Bears were his favorite teams. He had a huge social media presence, and was very active on the two local history Facebook pages he created. He loved his hometown of Thornton, IL, antiquing, playing drums, classic cars, sixties music, nature, animals, and driving along Route 66. He will be best remembered, of course, for his clever wit and legendary jokes.
A memorial visitation will be held Sunday, March 9, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 3:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Please contact 219-322-7300 for service details and visit our guest book at www.SMITSFH.com
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My sincere condolences to Tony’s family and friends. We were both in the drum section of the Thornridge HS Band and shared many rewarding (and funny) moments.
I’m so glad that we were able to reconnect about 10 years ago. We managed to stay in touch and rekindle that old friendship.
The world has truly suffered a big loss and will be a less “punny” place without you, Tony.
Bruce Beyer
March 09, 2025 | Canton, MI | Classmate
I actually got to know Tony very well after working with him at the Post Office. We would have lunch together every couple of months. He was one of the few people that always showed up when he could. I will miss the corny jokes and the good conversations
Kim
March 02, 2025 | Work
Tony was one of the kindest most genuine people I’ve ever had the privilege to have met in my life. He worked at the Post Office with my Husband and the 2 of them were like kids when they were together. RIP my friend, tell Bob I said Hi between the reunion jokes the two of you are telling eachother right now.
Kathy McGurk
February 27, 2025 | Homewood, IL | Friend
Your brother will be well missed I was grateful to meet him three times twice here in my hometown Crete and up in Thornton ones it was a wonderful man buying me once did not expected he will be truly missed brother and sister has done a wonderful job the last couple years building the historical history website
Raymond Mattox
February 27, 2025 | Crete, IL | Friend
Thank you Tony for all the Historic Homewood posts you made on Facebook !!! I enjoyed them and discussed them many times with other Homewood people. I grew up in Homewood in the 60's & 70's.
Douglas Sedgwick
February 26, 2025 | Willard, MO | Friend
He was our carrier for his whole career and wonderful. Always giving extra service and every ones favorite.
Helen Pound
February 26, 2025 | Homewood, IL
Although I never met him, it seemed as he was a treasured friend. My first 25 years of life was spent in the Governor's Park area (not exclusive by any means) but I know he made a mark by including all in the Facebook Homewood pages which he commandeered with love for many years.
You made a significant mark, and your legacy is love.
Thank you for showing how to do life with dignity.
Barbara Smith
February 25, 2025 | IL | Acquaintance
Tony,You and I started working the same year and established a great friendship. Your smile and joyful HI!!HI!! At the salon WILL be missed. May you rest in peace Tony. Love Letty
Letty Munoz
February 25, 2025 | Chicago, IL | Friend
Tony, from our early days as young children living in Chicago until sharing our mutual interest in history on the Historic Thornton Facebook page, and all that that went in between, it's been a blessing and an honor to have you as my big brother. We shared so many memories... say hello to our heavenly family members for me. I love you. And since I get the last word, the Beatles ARE better than the Stones!
Debbie Pratscher Lamoureux
February 25, 2025 | Thornton, IL | Sister
