Name: Visitation for Anthony John Pratscher
Start: 2025-03-09T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-03-09T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Smits Funeral Home - Dyer

Anthony John Pratscher

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 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

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times on Mar. 2, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Pratscher

Sponsored by The Times.

12 Entries

Bruce Beyer

March 9, 2025

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.

Kim

March 2, 2025

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

Kathy McGurk

February 27, 2025

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.

Raymond Mattox

February 27, 2025

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

Douglas Sedgwick

February 26, 2025

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.

Helen Pound

February 26, 2025

He was our carrier for his whole career and wonderful. Always giving extra service and every ones favorite.

Barbara Smith

February 25, 2025

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.

Letty Munoz

February 25, 2025

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

Debbie Pratscher Lamoureux

February 25, 2025

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!

Judy Kish Alexander

February 25, 2025

I met Tony on my first visit to the Thornton Historical Society. When I told him I’d attended kindergarten in the church basement, class of 1959, he immediately took me downstairs to see my old classroom. We shared Thornton memories of long ago days. He was kind and thoughtful and generous of his time and hilariously witty. Thank you, Tony. God bless you.

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Kathy Risley

Sent Flowers

Kathy Risley

February 25, 2025

Dearest Tony, you were our beloved hometown Thornton Illinois friend, classmate and more. A very special presence in my, and so many others lives. We'll forever love & miss you. Rest in paradise, lovely, gentle friend. ❤

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