Thomas W. Stephan of Westville passed away Friday, Nov. 26, 2010 at his home. He was 85.

Thomas was born on January 24, 1925 in Hammond to Henry and Ellen (O’Boyle) Stephan, both of whom preceded him in death.

He is survived by his four children Tim Stephan of Sandy, Utah, Peggy Mattox (husband Tom) of Port Charlotte, Fla., Sandy Garbarczyk (Joe) of Lansing, Ill., and Matt Stephan (Millie) of Valparaiso; daughter-in-law, Jenny Stephan of Westville; 11 grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by a son, Jeff Stephan, eight sisters and one brother, Mary Merchant, Mildred Stephan, Barbara Stephan, Agnes Marshall, Margaret Swisher, Alice Miller, Katherine Parker, Charles Stephan, and Louise Sweet.

Thomas was an iron worker for JM Foster and a member of the International Brotherhood of Ironworkers. He played Santa Claus for over 25 years for area families and organizations. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 6941 Central Ave., Portage with Pastor Frederick Hoover officiating. Burial will follow at Heritage Cemetery, Portage. Visitation will be on Wednesday, Dec. 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial gifts may be made to Saint Jude’s Hospital. www.ee-fh.com

Posted 11/29/2010