Thomas J. Raschke, 54, of Owatonna, died Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011, at his home with his family at his side.

Tom was born Jan. 11, 1957, in Rochester, the son of Gerald and Deloris (Kneeland) Raschke. He was raised in Austin and attended Austin Senior High School prior to enlisting in the Navy in 1974. He served on a helicopter carrier, the USS Guam. Tom received his honorable discharge in 1976. He was united in marriage to Darla J. Stoltz on Aug. 19, 1978, at St. Michael Lutheran Church, Waltham, Minn. In 1984, he graduated from Austin Vocational and Technical College with a degree in graphic technology. Tom worked as a press operator for Johnson Printing in Rochester, the Faribault Daily News, and J.C. Press in Owatonna. In 1998, he began working at the Eagles in Owatonna as a cook until August of this year. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gathering morel mushrooms. He also loved music, especially the blues and bluegrass.

He is survived by his wife, Darla Raschke of Owatonna; son, Jonathan (Charity Braulik) Raschke of Owatonna; five grandchildren, Kieara Raschke, Devyn Raschke, Tessa Sjol, Hayden Muldoon and Sky Olson. Tom is also survived by a sister, Mary (Richard) Woulfe of Kenyon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Michael Raschke and a sister, Nancy Bentzin.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, and one hour before the service in the funeral home. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, at Michaelson Funeral Home with the Rev. Edward McGrath officiating. Interment will be held at a later date. Military honors will be provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit.