Thomas D. McCracken

Thomas (Tom) D. McCracken, 76, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away at home with family by his side on February 24th. He fought a courageous battle with metastatic gastric cancer with dignity and grace. 

Tom was born at St. Joesph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls, WI along with his identical twin brother Steven on October 2, 1949, to Eugene and LaRayne (Emmer) McCracken. The family lived in New Auburn, WI where Tom graduated from high school in 1967. He played football, basketball and was a Boy Scout. 

Tom worked at Presto Ind. after graduating from high school. He was drafted into the Army in 1969 and was stationed in Heilbronn, Germany with the 237 Engineer Battalion. 

In July 1972 he married his high school sweetheart Vicky Hanson. They would welcome two sons, Mark Thomas in October 1977 and Matthew Eugene in March 1981. 

Tom returned from the Army to work at Presto. He went on to graduate from CVTC with a heavy-duty mechanic degree. He worked for various trucking companies in the Eau Claire area, including Landy Packing, Litchfields, Eau Claire Truck & Trailer, and Badger Truck Refrigeration. Over the next 27 years Tom was an instructor at CVTC. He trained countless young men and women, helping them develop the skills and expertise needed to become top diesel mechanics. 

Even in retirement, Tom stayed busy. He launched a whole new chapter, lending a hand to anyone who needed it—painting, installing floors and backsplashes, remodeling bathrooms, and more. There was little he couldn’t handle or figure out. 

Tom enjoyed 20 years of camping at the Narrows Resort on Potato Lake. There was always a campfire with children and grandchildren, and usually a lesson on the theory of refrigeration involving a plastic water bottle. He took great joy in keeping up with and cheering on the athletic achievements of each of his grandchildren. 

Tom loved having a good time and was often the life of the party. Whenever there was music playing, he was quick to find a partner for a two-step. Tom also cherished time on the water, boating and pontooning with the kids, golfing with friends —and treasured his winters in Tucson Estates in Tucson, Arizona, where he enjoyed the company of both old and new friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and LaRayne McCracken; his in-laws, Charles and Barbara Hanson; and his brothers-in-law, Thomas Motzer and Billy Krause. 

Tom is survived by his wife of 53 years, Vicky; his sons, Mark (Erin) and Matthew (Nikki); his grandchildren, Jenna (Nick) McCracken-Wathke, Brett McCracken, Peyton McCracken, Dylan McCracken, and Caila Johnson; and his great-grandchildren, Adalynn and Liam. 

Tom is also survived by his sisters, Annette Motzer, Jeanie (Dave) Canfield, Mary Kay (Randy) Moullet, and Margie Krause; his brothers, Dan (Mary Jo), Steve (Jackie), Bob (Linda), Mike (Pam), John (Missy), and Scott (Abe Zeman); his in-laws, Becky (Jim) Coach, Dan (Lori) Hanson, Janie (Mike) Super, and Marie Hanson; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Memorial visitation will take place at the funeral home on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 10 am until 12:30 pm.  Following the visitation, the family is having a luncheon at the VFW, 1300 Starr Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701. Committal service with military honors will take place at a later date at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.  Memorials can be directed to Potato Lake Association at N1230 Potato Lake Rd. Chetek WI 54728 or CVTC Foundation at 620 W. Clairemont Ave. 54701 

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the compassionate doctors, nurses, and staff at Mayo Cancer Center and St. Croix Hospice. Your care and support meant more than words can express, and we are deeply grateful. 

Tom will be remembered for his loyalty, honesty, sincerity, strength, humility and sense of humor, all qualities that made him a beloved friend, father, and grandfather. He leaves behind a legacy of steadiness, empathy, kindness and pride in those he loved most. He will be missed dearly.  

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701, is assisting the family with the arrangements.