Thomas Klintworth Obituary (1943

Thomas J. "Tom" Klintworth, 80 of Saybrook, IL passed away Saturday July 22, 2023, in Bloomington at 10:38 AM. Tom's funeral will be held at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington on Thursday July 27, 2023, at 10 AM. Reverend Wendell Wardell will officiate. There will be a visitation on Wednesday July 26 from 5-7 PM at the Memorial Home. Tom was born in Bloomington July 11, 1943, to Elmer Bert and Helen Janette Howk Klintworth. He married Nancy Hefner on March 12, 1966, in Bloomington. She survives his death. Also surviving are his twin daughters, Christina Klintworth (Michael Folliard) of Tinley Park and Carolyn (James) Kitchen of Bloomington, his son Scott Klintworth of Monroe, Washington and three grandchildren, Janette Folliard, Mia Folliard, and Jack Kitchen. Tom was a farmer for over 60 years, taking over his family's farm when his father died during his senior year at Octavia High School. As he started, Tom was helped by the more experienced area farmers and Tom repaid that kindness by advising other area farmers as they sought out his expertise throughout his life. Tom was an early adopter of innovative technology for farming, often seeing benefits before others. Over the years this included things like field mapping, weed management systems for soybeans, spray technology and countless others. He designed and built his own robotic driver to pilot his existing tractors well before current day GPS autosteer systems. His approach to weed management in soybeans reduced labor and improved weed control. These things allowed Tom and Nancy to grow their successful farming operation in Eastern McLean County over their lifetimes. Tom taught himself welding, machine fabrication and repair, putting long hours into making himself better and was known for his skill. It came as no surprise to friends or family that when he finally retired, he applied those same traits to quickly develop his skills in wood turning and other interests. Tom was active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for the People's State Bank of Colfax. Tom also served on the Octavia School Board. Tom's family would like to share a special thank you with the staff and employees from Carle Foundation Hospice and Synergy Home Care for their kind and attentive care over the past months. Tom loved his wife and was proud of the family they had. He was proud of all his children and his three grandchildren even more so. Tom was a practical, sensible, quiet man who overcame adversity but did not let it define him. Tom never stopped learning, something he instilled in his children, and always looking to broaden his knowledge and experience. In accordance with Tom's wishes the family ask that any memorial contributions in his memory be made to Habitat for Humanity.