OREGON — Thomas ‘Tom’ Edward Izer passed away suddenly at the age of 92 on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. He was born on December 16, 1931, in Iron Springs, Pennsylvania. Tom was the youngest of four children, born to J. Theodore “Duke” and Louella A. “Nan” (Bennett) Izer. Tom graduated from Washington Township High School in May of 1949. After high school, Tom came to this area on a hunting trip. He took a job pumping gas at the Victory Café for the Andreas family, met Donna Andreas, the love of his life, and never left. They married on November 3, 1954, in Rock Falls, IL, and were Blessed with over 69 wonderful years together. Tom served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954. He was a certified tank driver, mainly serving as the Officers’ cook. After being discharged from the Army, he went on to work as a milk carrier for Lawton Dairy in Dixon before his career began as “The Gas Man” for Northern Illinois Gas. Through his line of work, he helped improve the safety of many peoples’ lives, sometimes risking his own in the process. Throughout his life in Oregon, he enjoyed many things, most of which involved his family. He loved to fish, hunt, play and coach fast pitch softball, and coach his children’s sports teams. He was very active in his community, serving as a City Commissioner for several terms. Tom was an active member of the Oregon United Methodist Church for over 60 years. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His greatest passion was taking care of others, dedicating his time and talents to not only his family, but anyone who called.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Theda Kuykendall. He is survived and missed dearly by his loving wife, Donna, of Oregon, IL; five children: Jill Izer of Winnebago, IL; Tom (Teresa) Izer of Dixon, IL; Penny (Phil) Fox of Woodridge, IL; Julie Shelby of Peoria, IL; Tim (Lori) Izer of Peru, IL; brother William “Bill” Izer of Fairfield, PA; sister Mary M. Rock of Chambersburg, PA; 11 grandchildren: Hope (Matt) Hitchcock, Jeremy (Kate) Izer, Paul (Stephanie) Fox, David (Alison) Fox, Nicholas (Lauren) Fox, Jessica (Brett) Barr, Gregory Fox, Sean Shelby, Hannah Shelby, Erica (Eli) McGraw, and Christopher Koehler; 23 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will take place at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home of Oregon, IL, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Funeral Services will be held at the Oregon United Methodist Church with Pastor Michael Hoffman presiding, beginning at 11:00am. Tom will be laid to rest in Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling, IL. Memorial donations are established in his name and may be directed to the family.
