Thomas A. Raycroft

May 21, 1938 - February 21, 2022

Thomas A. Raycroft, age 83 of Whiting, IN passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, February 21, 2022. He was born on May 21, 1938 in Hammond, and preceded in death by his Father, Maurice T. Raycroft and Mother, Cecilia (Benak) Raycroft. Thomas grew up in Whiting, IN and was proud to have attended Sacred Heart Elementary and Clark High School. He graduated with a B.A. from Wabash College and a B.S. from Bemidji State University. In 1972, he bought a 200-acre farm in Baudette, MN and moved there with his wife, Linda, and their 7 children (at that time). While in Baudette, he raised his children to be close to nature with a shared sense of purpose to solve problems, survive, and thrive as a family on a farm in northern Minnesota. He returned to Whiting in 1982, where he was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus (Charter member of Baudette) and the Sokol Club. Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Linda (Mizerik) Raycroft, 9 children and 17 grandchildren, including Theresa (Javier) Orozco, Carl (Suzan) Raycroft and children Maitlin, Parker, Hogan, and Charlie; Loretta (John) Bock and children Samantha (Devin Haymond), Cecilia, John Thomas; Daniel (Stephanie) Raycroft and children Alexandra, Anna, and Andrea; Bridget (Frank) Baeza and children Mary Bridget, Joseph, and Anthony; Catherine (Todd) Larson and children Megan and Karl; Colleen Raycroft and daughter Taylor; Maurice (Emily) Raycroft; and, Francis (Jen) Raycroft and children Adelaide and Quinn. In 2021, Tom celebrated his first great grandson, John Benjamin Bock (John and Nadia). He was tremendously proud of his Sister, Maureen (Jack) Schutz; Brother, Patrick (Kathleen) Raycroft, Sister-in-Law Nancy (deceased) (Dave) Preis, Sister-in-Law Pamela Mrjenovich, Sister-in-Law Janis LaFond, Godson Joseph Raycroft, many nieces and nephews, cousins, second cousins, and countless family friends. Tom loved his family and friends. He encouraged the pursuit of knowledge, a love of music and enjoyment of good food and drink with the people around him, including strangers in need. Tom empowered each of his children to learn an instrument, attend college, be faithful, learn to use a hammer, shovel snow for neighbors and celebrate the success of hard work. While he understood the importance of being respectful, hardworking and open-minded, he also taught his children to be empathetic and to try to help others. One example of Tom’s impact on others in his community is the positive outcome for a young girl who, many years ago, had fallen from a boat into the Rainy River in Baudette, MN. When asked by the local newspaper how she was able to survive until rescued, she said she just did what her swim coach, Mr. Raycroft, taught her. Tom and Linda not only raised 9 of their own, but they were deeply involved in the lives of their 17 grandchildren, raising them with the same standards, making sure each knew they were loved and treasured. “Grandpa” was always there to transport kids to and from school, he was in the stands for swim meets and ballgames, he attended concerts, plays, and graduations. He made sure all 17 knew their family traditions of cheering for the Cubs, betting on the Derby, enjoying sauerkraut soup, and drinking Zoom during the holidays. Mark Twain wrote, “If you want love and abundance in your life, give it away.” Tom taught us to value family, our community, and to strive to improve. We are thankful for our time with him, wishing him lots of winning trifectas, good music, and a Heineken in Heaven as he joins his family and friends who preceded him. A mass of Christian Memorial Celebration will be held on March, 19th 2022, 1:00 pm at Sacred Heart Church at 1731 Laporte Ave., Whiting, IN with Bishop Emeritus Dale Melczek, D.D. officiating. Dress will be Grandpa casual (wear your favorite Wabash, Cubs or Notre Dame attire). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Wabash College at www.Wabash.edu/give . Online condolences may be made to the family at www.eefh.com.