DAHLGREN – 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) Aydt, 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 with the Class of 1957. After getting married, they moved to the south side of Chicago, where Clem worked at 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 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 until his retirement in 1997.
Clem was a lifelong farmer with a passion for working the land. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, 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); and daughters, Sherry (Jeff) Williams and Judy (Dragovich) Aydt. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Ashley (Randy) Camden, Sarah (Clint) Hopfinger, Justin (Katie) Aydt, Nate (Chelsea) Aydt, Adam Aydt, Lauren Aydt, Kirsten (David) Anderson, and Meagan Williams; and 11 great-grandchildren: Raylee Camden, Francis Tate Hopfinger, Everlee Camden, Ellaretta Hopfinger, Kenlee Camden, Lucas Aydt, Lainey Aydt, Brenna Aydt, Levi Aydt, Landon Aydt, and Maren Aydt. Additional survivors include 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; 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 to 8 p.m., and again on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 9 to 10 a.m. A Rosary will be held at 10 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 the St. John the Baptist new Parish Hall Fund or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
The Harre Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.