Thomas Huelsmann

Thomas C. Huelsmann, age 75, of Aviston died on Monday, August 17, 2015 at his residence. Mr. Huelsmann was born in Aviston on February 19, 1940 the son of Kate (Korte) and Otto H. Huelsmann. Tom married Betty J. Schwierjohn on August 21, 1965 at Immaculate Conception Church in Pierron and she survives in Aviston.

Along with his wife, Mr. Huelsmann is survived by his children: Sherry (Greg) Davis of Mason, OH, Craig (Kim) Huelsmann of Raleigh, IL, Christopher (Janet) Huelsmann of Vancouver, WA, and Brad Huelsmann of Highland; his grandchildren: Kylie and Ashlyn Davis; Caleb and Colin; Adelaide; Kori and Lynzie Huelsmann; his sisters: Dolores (Cyril) Weis, and Mary Jane (Sylvester) Middeke; his brother: Don Huelsmann; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Doris (Tom) Timmermann, Mary (Gary) Dulle, and Dennis (Eileen) Schwierjohn; and numerous cousins.
Tom was preceded in death by his mother and father; two sisters: Monica Huelsmann, and Lucille Huelsmann; sister-in-law: Janet Huelsmann, and his mother-in-law Loretta Schwierjohn and father-in-law Henry Schwierjohn.

Tom was very community oriented and involved with many organizations including St Francis Church in Aviston, Aviston Chamber of Commerce, Centennial and Quasquicentennial Committees, Citizens for Aviston, the Men’s Sodality, Aviston School Board, Mater Dei School Board, Mater Dei Foundation and Capital Campaigns, St. Francis Pastoral Council, St. Francis Finance Committee, the Knights of Columbus Council #11110, Lumber and Materials Association, Cahokia Lumbermen’s, Illinois Young Lumbermen’s, FFA, the Clinton County Farm Bureau and was also a licensed plumber. Tom was a veteran of the United States Army. He enjoyed family vacations, golfing, taking day trips, scenic drives, part time farming, yard work, playing cards with family and friends, and was an avid reader of trade magazines and local news. Tom had a lot of respect for other people and always instilled a calming atmosphere for the people he was with. He cherished anytime with his grandchildren.

Visitation will be held for Mr. Huelsmann on Sunday, August 23, 2015 at Nordike Funeral Home in Aviston from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM and on Monday, August 24, 2015 from 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM. The Aviston American Legion will walk through at 5:30.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 24, 2015 at 10:00 AM at St. Francis Catholic Church in Aviston with Fr. Dan Friedman and Msgr. William J. Hitpas officiating. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers Mr. Huelsmann family is requesting memorials in Tom’s honor to St. Francis Church, Mater Dei High school, Heartland Hospice, or St Vincent DePaul. And those will be received at the funeral home.