Thomas F. Mulhern

Thomas F. Mulhern, November 21, 1927-May 24, 2018, age 90, of La Porte, Indiana, and a former resident of South Holland, Illinois, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home on May 24, 2018, after a lengthy illness. He is now reunited with his parents, Joseph and Catherine Mulhern, wives Dorothy (nee Wittman) and LaVerne (nee Steinhagen), brother Joseph and sister Mary Elizabeth McNulty.

He is survived by his four devoted children, William (Susan) Egan, Thomas (Susie) Mulhern, James (Paula) Mulhern, and Susan (John) Smith, grandchildren Brian (Jessica) Egan, Erin (Matt) Boyle, Vincent (Sylvie) Rossi, Michael (Caitlin) Rossi, Brittani (Brent) Keller, Sean Mulhern, Ryan Mulhern, and Kaitlyn Gallo, and great-grandchildren Evelyn Keller, Jacob and Brayden Egan, and Emmet and Claire Boyle.

After graduating from Calumet High School in Chicago, Thomas was drafted into the U.S Army and served twice, both times in the Counterintelligence Corps (CIC). His first time was near the end of World War II. After basic training he was enrolled at Michigan State University, before he was stationed in post-War Japan in the mountainous region north of Tokyo. He learned Japanese and was responsible for preparing reports of activities in the area, doing so before he reached his twenties.

After his discharge, he attended DePaul University in Chicago. During that time, he also re-enlisted in the Counterintelligence Corps and was stationed in Chicago. Upon graduation in 1952, Thomas passed the Illinois State bar exam. He worked as a claims adjuster and counsel for several insurance companies, spending most of his years before retirement with the Chicago Motor Club (AAA).

In 1954, he married Dorothy, and together raised four children. They traveled to Spain and Hawaii, and spent a great deal of time in Indiana, until she passed away in 1983. In 1987, he married LaVerne, and they traveled to Ireland, Hawaii, Mexico, and New Zealand, and enjoyed exploring Indiana and Michigan, until she passed away in 1999.

In retirement, Thomas was busier than ever, volunteering his time to various local organizations, including LaPorte Hospital and Health Services, Catholic Charities building wheelchair ramps, helping veterans and retirees determine their best options for Medicare, and more. He also volunteered with RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) of LaPorte/Starke County, performing vision screenings on preschoolers throughout northern Indiana.

Proud of his Irish heritage, Thomas joyfully baked traditional Irish Soda Bread each St. Patrick’s Day. He loved watching the many birds that flocked to his backyard bird feeders, enjoyed barbecuing on weekends, often celebrating with a martini, and was happy to share stories of his life experiences, especially those from his service in Japan.

Visitation will be held at Blake-Lamb Funeral home, 4727 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn, IL 60453, Tuesday May 29, 2018 from 3-8 PM. A funeral mass will be Wednesday May 30, 2018 at 9:30 AM, at St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, 10621 S. Kedvale, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, followed by interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip. In lieu of flowers the family requests any donations be made to Catholic Charities of Michigan City, 321 W. 11th St., Michigan City, IN 46360, or the charity of your choice. For more information please call 708-636-1193 or visit www.blakelamboaklawn.com

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.blakelamboaklawn.com for the Mulhern family.