Published on May 11, 2026 1:55 pm
Last Updated on May 11, 2026 1:55 pm
Thomas W. Utz, 87, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Saturday May 9, 2026 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL.
A visitation celebrating Tom’s life will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a Knights of Columbus rosary to follow at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials in Tom’s memory may be made to Camp New Hope. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Thomas was born on May 5, 1939, in Effingham, IL, the son of Robert and Thelma (Hutmacher) Utz. He was united in marriage to Phyllis Sur on October 7, 1961. She preceded him in death on March 11, 2020. Tom was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his words were full of wit, wisdom, and humor. He was creative and had an inventive mind. Tom enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, such as Easter scavenger hunts with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, bowling, reading, and camping and biking alongside his wife Phyllis. He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus. Tom truly enjoyed Thursday night socials solving life’s problems alongside his family and friends at the KC Hall. Tom was chief clerk for the Illinois State Police for 37 years and took pride in his work. He also was a great advocate and involved in the early formation of special education and Special Olympics as we know it today.
Tom is survived by his children, Keith Utz of Charleston, Cheryl (Mike) Will of Effingham, Carrie (Mark) Spour of Sigel, and Karl (Carla) Utz of Effingham; grandchildren, Kyle (Mark Meyer) Spour of St. Louis, MO, Christopher (Jessica) Spour of Beecher City, Brandon (Temara) Spour of Neoga, Colby Utz of Nashville, TN, Carson Utz of Chicago, and Connor Will of Effingham; great-grandchildren, Harlan McConkey, Iris Spour, Thea Spour, Lena Spour, and Leti Spour all of Beecher City and Norah, Dawson, Charlett, and Lane Spour all of Neoga; brothers, Bob Utz and Kevin (Kathy) Utz both of Effingham; sisters-in-law, Marg and Carolyn; and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Phyllis; brothers, Garry and Kenton; sister, Marilyn Utz; and sister-in-law, Carol Utz.