Thomas J. Miklusak

Thomas J. Miklusak, 73, of Whiting, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, surrounded by his family. Tom was the beloved husband of 35 years to Marina Nava Miklusak; cherished brother of Joseph (late Linda) Miklusak, Mary Geralyn (Michael) Burke, JoAnn (Muhammed) Jubran, and the late William Miklusak; and dear uncle of Erin (Dan) Longo, Omar Jubran, and Sean Burke. He was a devoted stepfather to John Michael (Ramona) Nava, Debra (Anthony) Marquez, Mary Lou (Rene) Padilla, Judy Nava, Gabriel (Deirdre Pirosko) Nava, and Angela (Cesar) Valdivia, whom he lovingly raised and cared for as his own daughter. Tom was also blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Among them was his special grandson, Gabriel, who was like a son to Tom and served as his trusted right-hand man.

Born on February 12, 1953, to Joseph and Mary (Ginski) Miklusak, Tom was a lifelong resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale community. He graduated from George Rogers Clark High School, Class of 1971, and attended Purdue University. He was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Tom built a distinguished career in the oil industry, beginning with Amoco Oil in 1979, later BP. Starting as a process operator in the Vapor Recovery Unit, he advanced to console operator overseeing FCU500 and the Crude Running Units. He retired in 2009 after 30 years of dedicated service and was later brought back as a consultant for the Whiting Refinery Modernization Project in 2012 and 2013, a testament to the respect his expertise earned throughout his career. Tom was a proud member of the Indiana Harbor Yacht Club and enjoyed fishing, boating, traveling, and was a true technology enthusiast. Known for his remarkable patience, loyalty, and devotion to family and friends, Tom leaves behind countless memories that will be treasured by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting, with Rev. Timothy McFarland, C.PP.S., officiating; cremation to follow; visitation at the funeral home, Friday from 4:00 to 8:00p.m.; parish wake service at the funeral home on Friday at 4:30pm. To leave an expression of sympathy on-line go to www.baranfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the American Cancer Society or St. Joseph's Indian School would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

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