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.
GUESTBOOK
Very sad to hear this. I have a lot of memories with Tommy and Jan (and boys) when they were pulling horses. Walstra’s spent many summer nights at my dad’s (Marvin Stoneman) and there was never a dull moment. Tommy was an amazing horse puller and coon hunter but if I had to describe him - I’d say he was simply a TOUGH man that LOVED his family. My prayers are with you Jan and family. RIP Mr Tommy, -Lori Stoneman Crocker
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a kind neighbor for years; we would always wait in anticipation to see him passing our house with his beautiful horses. He will be missed, Love, -Debra Carlson Ray Abatie, Dannie Ray, Tony, Daniel and Eric Ray
