Thomas Samuel Walstra Jr., 73 of Chesterton, IN, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 27, 2026. He was born January 5, 1953, in Valparaiso to the late Thomas and Ruth (Loar) Walstra Sr. Tom made his career as a School Bus Driver with the Duneland School System for 23 years. His free time was consumed with his two favorite hobbies: horse pulling and racoon hunting. Tom loved competing in horse pulling competitions, which he did for 58 years, with his good friend, Steve Earnest. He also enjoyed nighttime racoon hunting with his walker dogs. Tom was a loving family man, and he especially loved sharing his love of horses with his kids and grandkids. Tom will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered every day.
On February 18, 1977, in Crocker, IN, Tom married Jan Passauer, who survives, along with children: Melinda (Gary Cooper) Schroeder of Hillsdale, MI, Thomas (Kristin) Walstra III of Lamar, SC, and Keith Walstra of Chesterton, IN; grandchildren: Brook, Tatum, Tommy J., Kolton, Kutler, Kyle, Caleb, Dream, and Jasper; 12 great-grandchildren; and beloved dog, Peanut.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a memorial service beginning at 1:00 p.m.
