Thomas "Tom" Weihler

Thomas “Tom” Weihler, 73, of Orion passed away on August 31, 2024, in Moline after many years of medical challenges.

A funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Orion. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the church. Burial will take place at a later time. Memorials may be made to the family to be dispersed to local organizations at a later time. Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Orion, is assisting the family.

Tom was born on May 24, 1951, in Moline, the son of George and Mary Polito Weihler. He married Laurel “Lolly” Anderson on July 15, 1977, in Orion at St. Paul Lutheran Church. In December of 1970 Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corp Reserves and was honorably discharged.

Tom was employed in many capacities with Frontier Communications, formerly known as Orion Telephone for 33 years, retiring in 2012. Tom grew up on the family farm in Sherrard that was established in 1869. He graduated from Sherrard High School and later from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Tom enjoyed his 44 years of volunteering with the John Deere Golf Classic and Hardees Golf Classic and was proud of being one of the original “Grunts” and cherished his friendships made along the way. He was a longtime member of the Orion Volunteer Fire Department. He also played slow pitch softball and coached his girls in fast pitch softball both of which loved and enjoyed. Tom loved the Orion Fall Festival and especially enjoyed grilling pork chops. Above all, his family and extended were very important to him, he truly loved them all.

Tom is survived by his wife; children, Carly (Nick) Esser of Morton, Brittney Lee (Kevin) Weaver of Coal Valley and Tony Weihler of Orion; grandchildren, Kalli Lee Seibel, Kai Jay Seibel and Braxton Kolton Weaver; siblings, Jane (Mike) Hartman and Victor (Carrie) Weihler; sister-in-law, Judi Weihler; brothers-in-law, Terry Anderson and Larry Anderson; aunts, Shirley Weihler and Mary Sandahl as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Rich Weihler; cousins, Kelly Enstrom and Marty Lindoerfer; nephew, Rob Anderson; sister-in-law, Kathy Anderson.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.