Thomas "Tom" Karhliker

Thomas “Tom” Karhliker, 89 of Auburn passed away Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020 at Memorial Medical Center.

He was born August 19, 1931 in Auburn the son of Matthew and Elizabeth Nevin Karhliker.

He married Elizabeth “Betty Jo” Rhodes on July 9, 1952.

Tom served in the US Navy-Air Force during the Korean War. He retired from Pillsbury after 41 years. He taught fire safety through Lincoln Land Community College. Tom served on the Auburn Fire Department and as a City Alderman for 16 years. He was a member of the Auburn V.F.W. where he served as Post Commander and he was also a member of Auburn American Legion.

Tom loved to fish and hunt.

Surviving are his wife, Betty Jo; four sons, Rick (Mari), Dennis, Bill (Carmen), and Kenny (Christie); one daughter, Lisa (Todd) Dudley; fourteen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; two sisters, Mary (Roger) Lane and Frances Surbeck; one brother in law, Ken Rhodes; one sister in law, Billie Bottoms; several nieces and nephews.

Private family graveside services will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield with Military Honors conducted by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.

Memorials may be made to Auburn Food Pantry, 125 E. Washington St., Auburn, IL 62615 or Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601.

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