Anthony John Pratscher, 72, of Griffith, Indiana, passed away on Feb. 19. In Homewood, he was known as “Tony the Mailman” who walked the downtown business district route until he retired in 2017.
Mr. Pratscher was a native of Thornton, Illinois. An accomplished drummer, he 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 where he enjoyed his work and the folks and dogs along his route.
Mr. Pratscher donated his time to an anti-bullying organization as well as a local historical society. He often posted old photos of Homewood and Glenwood to social media sites.
Mr. Pratscher is survived by his sisters Debra Lamoureux, Linda (Vaughn) Lagestee and and Cara Castelli, and brothers Martin Pratscher, John Pratscher, and James (Susan) Pratscher, many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Also survived by his partner Betty Hoeffner.
Visitation will be at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane in Dyer, Indiana, from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 9. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
