With the support of a loving family, Clem passed away on November 18, 2025 at his home near Dahlgren, IL. He was 85 years old.
Clemens John Aydt was born on December 9, 1939 to Clemens J. N. and Frances H. (Nice) both of Dahlgren. Clem married the love of his life, Margaret A. Biggerstaff, on July 4, 1961 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Enfield, IL. They were happily married for over 64 years and were very proud of the family they raised.
Clem attended St. John’s Catholic Grade School and Dahlgren High School graduating in the Class of 1957. After getting married, they moved to the south side of Chicago where Clem worked in the Ford Assembly plant in Chicago Heights IL for two years before returning to Dahlgren to be a co-owner of the Aydt Feed Mill. In 1962, he began his career at the Farmers State Bank as a cashier/teller, ultimately achieving the role of President in 1984. Through a series of mergers and buyouts, Clem served in senior leadership roles at the bank until his retirement in 1997.
Clem was a life-long farmer and had a passion for working the land. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, travel, watching the St Louis Cardinals, and spending time with his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Having spent his entire life in Dahlgren, Clem was actively involved in his community and was very service-minded. He was proud to serve as a Trustee of the Regional Board of Education of Hamilton and Jefferson Counties for 32 years. He also served on the Dahlgren Grade School Board of Education. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and served as a Parish Council Trustee of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
In addition to his wife Margaret, Clem is survived by a son, Kenny (Pam) Aydt, son Tim (Paula) Aydt, son Dennis Aydt (Perry Youngblood), daughter Sherry (Jeff) Williams, and Judy (Dragovich) Aydt; eight grandchildren: Ashley (Randy) Camden, Sarah (Clint) Hopfinger, Justin (Katie) Aydt, Nate (Chelsea) Aydt, Adam Aydt, Lauren Aydt, Kirsten (David) Anderson, Meagan Williams; eleven great-grandchildren: Raylee Camden, Francis Tate Hopfinger, Everlee Camden, Ellaretta Hopfinger, Kenlee Camden, Lucas Aydt, Lainey Aydt, Brenna Aydt, Levi Aydt, Landon Aydt, Maren Aydt; and sister-in-law Shirley Biggerstaff; brother-in-law Carl (Nancy) Biggerstaff; sister-in-law Carolyn (Cupel) Clark; sister-in-law Cindy (Terry) Russell; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clemens and Frances Aydt; brother Philip Aydt; sister, Dolores (John) Aydt; brother Clyde (Helen) Aydt; sister Anna Marie (Albert) Sturman; father-in-law John S. Biggerstaff; mother-in-law Irene Biggerstaff (Pat) Dolan; and brother-in-law John Robert Biggerstaff.
Visitation will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Piopolis, IL on Friday November 21, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. There will be a Rosary at 10:00 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, officiated by Father Slawomir Ptak. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Lunch for friends and family will be served in the Parish Hall immediately following interment.
Pallbearers are: Justin Aydt, Nate Aydt, Adam Aydt, Lucas Aydt, Randy Camden and Clint Hopfinger. Lectors will be granddaughters Lauren Aydt and Kirsten (Aydt) Anderson and family friend, Tom Anselment.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested for St. John the Baptist new Parish Hall Fund or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Harre Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.
