Tom Sudholt, 73, of Aviston, died Thursday, February 19, 2009 at his home. He was born November 19, 1935 in Aviston, son of Anton F. and Dora (Alberternst) Sudholt. He married Leola A. Venhaus May 11, 1960 in Breese and she preceded him in death on October 14, 2005.

Tom is survived by his children, Kelly (Kenneth) Vaughan of Rock Vale, TN, Derek Sudholt , Todd (Tracy) Sudholt, Jana (William) Eversgerd, Amber (Chad) Jansen and Brandon (Shannon) Sudholt all of Aviston; nine grandchildren, Dylan Sudholt, Mitchell Sudholt, Rylee Sudholt, Brooklyn Sudholt, Breonna Sudholt, Paityn Jansen, Alex Jansen, Malina Eversgerd and Landon Eversgerd; three brothers, Floyd (Pat) Sudholt, Robert (Marilyn) Sudholt all of Aviston, and Donald (Nettie) Sudholt of Trenton; a sister, Elvina (John) Gantner of Highland; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Marian Sudholt of Damiansville, Lorene Sudholt of Aviston, Lillian & Paul Luebbers of Carlyle, Karen & Jerry Campbell of Swansea, Linda Kay & Gene Schurman and Marvin & Janet Venhaus all of Breese.

In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by two brothers, David Sudholt and Ernest  to his  Sudholt; a sister, Odelia Trame; brother-in-law, Arnold Trame & sister-in-law, Betty Sudholt; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward & Rose Venhaus and step mother-in-law, Henrietta Venhaus.

Mr. Sudholt was a veteran of the United States Army. Before his retirement he was the owner of Sudholt Sheet Metal in Aviston. He was a member of St. Francis Parish, the church choir and a former parish councilman in Aviston. He was a former alderman for the Village of Aviston for 28 years, a former volunteer fireman for the Aviston Fire Department and was a charter member of the Aviston Jaycees. He enjoyed taking care of his grandchildren and spending time with them. He also enjoyed woodworking, bowling, his garden and visiting the sheet metal shop.

A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2009 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Aviston with Rev. Dan Friedman officiating. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Aviston.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2009 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2009 at Hempen Funeral Home in Aviston. There will be a prayer service at 4 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Clinton County Relay For Life or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be received at the funeral home.