Thomas Auker

Thomas R. Van Auker passed away on February 18th. He was born in 1925 in Rochester, NY to Ruth and Thomas Van Auker. He served in the US Marines from 1943-46 in the Pacific theatre at Engebi, Iejima and Okinawa the occupation force in Tokyo. After the service he joined the Rochester PD as a patrolman and later as a detective. He was one half of the famous 'Blitz Cops' along with his partner Clayton Faulkner. They busted up many gambling dens and slot machine parlors in the late forties. After leaving the police department, he joined General Accident Ins. Co., where he worked for 40 years as a manager until retiring. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years Agnes Van Auker, and his siblings Miriam Harnischfeger, George Yahn, Madlyn Oeschle, and James Van Auker. He is survived by his five children: Steve (Debbie) Van Auker, John (Lynn) Van Auker, Tom (Tami) Van Auker, Dave (Sandie) Van Auker, Kelly (Don) Shaw, eight grandchildren, and two great children. He lived his last 6 years at the 'Village of St. Edwards'. To the staff and his many friends there, he loved living there with you all and could not have asked for better company. We would also like to acknowledge the tremendous care he received at the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center. The nurses and staff there were wonderful to our dad. Calling hours will be Wednesday afternoon 4-7 PM at Hummel Funeral, 3475 Copley Rd Copley, Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 am Thursday at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, burial to follow at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the Hospice Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Rd. Fairlawn, Ohio 44333