- Date Of Birth: June 4, 1918
- Date Of Death: May 2, 2018
- State: Illinois
August “Augie” Aydt, 99, of Centralia passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at Centralia Fireside Nursing Home. He was born June 4, 1918, in Centralia, the son of Leonard and Cecelia Aydt. He married Frances Lukaseck on November 9, 1957, and she preceded him in death on February 26, 2011.
Augie is survived by his daughter, Ruth Aydt, and her husband, Von Welch, of Bloomington, Indiana; sisters-in-law Dorothy Aydt and Phyllis Aydt, both of Centralia; and several generations of nieces and nephews, many of whom call him “Uncle Chub”. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Edward Aydt, Robert Aydt, William Aydt, and Harold “Pete” Aydt I; three sisters, Amelia Aydt, Mary Williams, and Lorene Hollenkamp; one half-sister, Nellie Schuester; and one half-brother, John Aydt. Augie served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He was transferred to Galesburg, IL in 1957 while working for the railroad and returned to Centralia in 1980 after he retired. He was a member of St. Mary Church in Centralia, the Knights of Columbus, and the VFW. Augie gardened, fished, rode his bicycle, collected wood for his wood stove, and was an avid “recycler” before it became fashionable.
In his early 90s, he had to slow down; he moved first to Heritage Woods and then to Fireside House, forming many new friendships with staff and residents. In his later years, Augie spent more time reading, doing puzzles, and watching baseball. As a life-long Cubs fan, 2016 was a great baseball season. Being active remained important to Augie and he participated in daily exercise classes until last week. He took pleasure in simple things, and the twinkle in his eye brought joy to many.
