Tom Karst, 47

Thomas N. Karst, born March 17, 1975, in Wheatridge, Colo. died Jan. 17, 2023.

The son of Deborah (Steven) Reick of Woodstock and Gary (Barbara) Karst of Englewood, Colo., Tom grew up and attended school at St. Mary grade school, Olson Middle School, and Woodstock High School.

A resident of Cherry Valley, Ill., Tom was a member of St. Rita’s Parish and spent his working life in the building trades, most recently as a project manager/superintendent for a national commercial builder. Tom was known for his generous and outgoing nature, exemplary work ethic, and loyalty, but most of all his absolute and unfailing devotion to his children, Emily and Garrett.

As an avid outdoorsman he played as hard as he worked and took joy from his time with family and so many friends. Tom left an indelible impression on everyone he met; his passing will leave a giant hole in the lives of so many.

Tom is preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas J. and Mary E. Haley of Palatine, Ill., and Norbert and Marion Karst of Palatine, along with his stepgrandfather, Kenneth Reick of Kankakee, Ill.

Tom is survived by his parents, Deborah (Steven) Reick and Gary (Barbara) Karst; his children, Emily and Garrett Karst; sister, Keri (Josh) Francavilla; brother, Matthew Reick; beloved nieces, Kaylin and Ryann Francavilla; and dozens of much-loved uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Visitation will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, with prayer service at 5 p.m. at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098.