Tom Schutte (82) of Sigel

Tom Schutte, 82, of Sigel, Illinois, passed away at 9.40 a.m. Thursday, September 12, 2024. 

Tom was born March 7, 1942 in Sigel, Illinois, the son of Tony and Bertha (Schumacher) Schutte.  On April 30, 1966, Tom married Marilee (Rickelman) Schutte.  She survives.

Tom was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and he was a lifelong contributor to the community.  Tom was the Postmaster of the Sigel Post Office from 1967 to 1999, where he met every customer with a smile and piece of gum or candy.  After retiring from the Postal Service, Tom and Marilee spent many happy hours at auctions acquiring antiques and coins to sell at their business, T&M Antiques.  Tom served for 18 years on the Neoga School Board; 8 years as the tax assessor for Sigel and Big Spring Townships; and for many years he was the Commissioner of the Sigel Community Park, a Treasurer and Trustee of the Sigel Fire Department, and was on the Athletic Board at St. Michael’s Catholic School in Sigel.  Tom also served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1961 to 1963 and was a long-time member of the Sigel American Legion Post 1134.

Tom leaves behind a world better off for his having been with us for 82 years.  He was a friend to many, and a stranger to no one.  Tom was adored by his family, and especially his six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Tom is survived by his wife, Marilee Schutte of Sigel, Illinois; his children, Kelly (Dave) Frambes of Fairbury, Illinois, and Scott (Victoria) Schutte of Oak Park, Illinois; his grandchildren Carter (Danette) Frambes, Cooper (Olivia) Frambes, Coen Frambes, Ava Schutte, Beatrice Schutte, and Claudia Schutte; his great grandchildren Eleanor Frambes, Vivienne Frambes, and Shepard Frambes; his sister, Lylah Kaufman of St. Charles, Missouri; and his brother, Gary (Eileen) Schutte of Madison, Wisconsin.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Bertha Schutte; brothers, Charles (Chuck) Schutte, John Robert Schutte, and Don Joseph Schutte; and his brothers-in-law Charles (Lylah) Kaufman and Sam (Pat) Rickelman.

There will be no visitation or service, with a private grave-side service to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations made be made to Cure JM, via Kelly Schutte, 411 East Walnut, Fairbury, IL, 61739.

The Swengel - O’Dell Funeral Home in Neoga, Illinois is assisting the family with arrange-ments.online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.