Thomas Oest

Thomas Joseph Oest, 70, of Cary, Illinois passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at Swedish American Medical Center in Belvidere, Illinois. He was born on October 30, 1952, in Elgin, Illinois and was the son of the late Warren H. Oest and Margaret A. Aldrich (Oest) (nee Pokorny). Tom graduated from SS Peter and Paul Catholic Grade School in Cary, Illinois and Marion Central Catholic High School in Woodstock, Illinois in 1970. He also attended McHenry Community Junior College. 

Tom was a good soul and kind to all. He had a soft spot in his heart for animals namely his pets Roz and Cleo. He rescued many baby animals including pigeons, chickens, and a raccoon. As a young boy, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America. Growing up, Tom had a good work ethic having a paper route for many years.  

Tom was a conscientious objector during the Viet Nam War. He completed his State of Service working with physically and mentally disabled people. 

Tom retired from Innovative Marketing Solutions in Schaumburg, Illinois in 2018.

Tom was an avid gardener growing many of his own vegetables; he also loved preparing cookouts with family and friends. Tom was a devoted sports fan, he loved the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears; spending time at the Cary Pub, Maple Tree Inn, and Galati’s watching the games. From time-to-time, he could be found gambling on the casino boat in Elgin.

Through the years as Tom matured, he entered the Ernest Hemingway look-a-like contest in Key West. Although he never won the contest, he enjoyed the festivities sponsored by his good friends Ben and Cindy. Tom enjoyed many work-related trips with his fellow employees and boss Ben.

Tom had good friends including Scott, Scott, and Vicki who stood with him throughout his medical battles during the last two and a half years. He looked forward to the Sunday lunches with them and especially to the outings when Scott W. frequently took him out when he was unable to drive.

Tom leaves behind 10 siblings; sisters Christine (Neena) Oest and Ken Vanderwerker, Mary Mootrey, Joanne (Jim) Silbernagel; Brother Phillip (Sarah) Oest; stepbrothers Jay (Nancy) Aldrich, Kevin (Lani) Aldrich, Niall Aldrich; stepsisters Sheila (Kevin) Scott, Seanna (Jim) Hatton and Barbara Aldrich; sister-in-law Kathleen Oest; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, a great-great niece, a great-great nephew; God children Andrea and Frank.

In addition to his parents Warren, Margaret and stepfather Jack Aldrich, Tom is preceded in death by his brothers Warren Oest Jr. and John Patrick Oest; maternal grandparents Joe and Rose (nee Kvidera) Pokorny; paternal grandparents Otto and Dorothea (nee Rust) Oest; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Tom will be missed by all, especially by his niece Lisa Casey, great-nephew David, great-niece Emily, and their dog Wednesday (Schmoopy), with whom he had been living with for the last two years.

A graveside service will be held Monday October 30, 2023, at 10:30am at St. John Nepomucene Cemetery in Barrington, Illinois, followed by a celebration of life luncheon at Galatis Hideaway 800 Feinberg Ct., Cary, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Franciscan Outreach, 1645 W. LeMoyne St., Chicago, Il 60622. www.Franoutreach.org