Thomas T. Eskilson, age 82, of Valparaiso, IN, passed away on September 10, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ruth L. Eskilson. Tom was born September 7, 1942. He married Ruth (nee Johnson) in 1966 in Evanston, IL. Tom is also survived by their two daughters, Krista (Rusty) Duncan of Carmel, IN and Jennifer (Scott) Hansen of Chesterton, IN; and their four grandchildren, Molly (Dom Cevasco) Duncan and Macy (Alex Flohr) Duncan, and Katie and Luke Hansen. He is also survived by his brother John Eskilson (Margie) and Jane Eskilson. Tom graduated from Horace Mann High School in 1960 and attended Purdue University. He served in the US Navy on LSTs in the Far East. He retired from Dixie Dairy Company, Gary, IN in 1999, serving 18 years as President. He was an officer and board member of many civic and trade associations: Past President of Gary Chamber of Commerce; Past treasurer of Urban League of NW Indiana; Past President of Gary/Merrillville/Noon day Lions Club; Past President of Midwest Dairy Products Assn; Director Indiana Forum and Director of Milk Industry Foundation.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 3:00-4:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Memorial Service beginning at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Porter County Special Olympics or the American Diabetes Association.
GUESTBOOK
With sympathy and deepest condolences on the loss of Tom. We will sadly miss our brother in law and uncle. You are all in our prayers during this sad time. From the -Flaherty's - Judy, Fergus, Kieran and families.
Sending the deepest condolences over Tom’s passing, I knew him from his retirement gig there at Dow AgroSciences. Tom was the smiling kind person who greeted so many of us nearly every day there at the office providing the much-needed caffeine. I loved hearing him talk about his family and he was always a positive person. I think fondly of those days and what a great person he was. -Kenda Resler Friend
No matter how bad the weather, Tom would always greet you in the morning with a smile and friendly hello. Jenny, he was so proud of you and always would talk about how well you were doing in your career. And of course, he would talk about his grandkids. He could make a rough morning just a little brighter for us all. -George Oliver
Dear Ruth, we are sad to hear of Tom’s passing. We have lots of good memories of you both in Zionsville, IN. Barry still has a collection of Tom’s milk bottles and I have two of your Zionsville prints. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. -Linda and Barry Regan
I have so many fond memories of Uncle Tom! Probably my fondest memory is when he came and visited us in Evanston when I was around 5 years old. I was sick in bed with the chicken pox-- He popped his head into the room -asked how I was and was hiding something behind his back-- he was in the Navy at the time, and surprised me with a Ken doll in the same U.S Navy uniform he was wearing-- I was thrilled! He was so thoughtful and kind! He cheered me up with some stories and jokes- immediately winning over my 5 year old heart --quickly becoming my favorite uncle!! Soon after, I was attending his wedding to Aunt Ruth - the first wedding I ever attended! Such a happy, beautiful celebration! Uncle Tom was always the life of every family party-- so may memories of his deep hearty laugh- big smiles, hilarious jokes and stories- but most of all, his love of family and life. He was so much fun to be around! Uncle Tom was in his element at the Dairy-- so loved and respected by everyone at work and in the community as well-- he left a big impression wherever he went- outgoing, and big hearted. I know how much he will be missed and send my condolences as I am unable to attend the funeral- but I will be thinking and praying for all of you and send you my love, -Lisa LeFevre
Ruth and family, I am so sorry for your loss of Tom. I have such fond memories of our fun times spent together when you lived in Briarwood. Tom was a good, kind and decent man. May he rest in peace and may your memories of him bring you comfort. -Steve Kurowski
Tom and I, as the saying goes: “Go way back.” –69 years to be exact! We met in 7th grade at Horace Mann School and became lifelong buddies, along with our wives Ruth and Pat. So many memories of our times together flood my mind. I recall when Tom and I, as classmates, attended the rock ‘n roll extravaganza at the Gary Palace Theater; his trying to teach me how to play golf; catching a White Sox game; going fishing with him on Lake Maxinkuckee; enjoying a weekend getaway at his and Ruth’s cottage on Shafer Lake and celebrating the Christmas season at the annual Eskilson holiday party. When my wife, Patricia, asked if he could provide ice cream and a malt machine for her 50’s-themed 35th high school reunion, Tom, as always, came through. No problem. Tom was a true friend and one I could always rely on. When our son, Scott, was born, there was no question who I wanted his godfather to be. After my wife and I moved 2 ½ hours away, our interaction with Tom tapered off, but we always kept in touch, reuniting on such special occasions as marking the 50th and 60th anniversaries of our friendship. I was already looking forward to marking our 70th next year. Tom will be sorely missed. -Dennis Cline
