Thomas Theodore Wintjen, 72, of Urbana passed away at 9:15 p.m., Monday, December 6, 2010 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 18, 2010 at Alpha Omega Church of Jesus Christ, 400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL 61820, with Bishop Edward T. McGhee officiating. A celebration of life reception will be held at the church after the service. Burial will be held at a family cemetery in Allen Junction, West Virginia at a later date.

Mr. Wintjen was born March 14, 1938 in Pleasant Hill, Illinois to parents Alvin and Edith (Lauderback) Wintjen. He married Blanche Hall on July 2, 1983, in Urbana, Illinois, and she survives. Also surviving are sons; Thomas C. Wintjen (fiancAC., Samantha Carlson), of Rantoul, Tommie Gilliland, of Springfield, Blake Wintjen, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, daughter; Teresa Bates (E.L.), of Allen Junction, West Virginia, and daughter-in-law; Amy Gilliland, of Champaign, brother; Bob Hill (Kandie), of Urbana, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son; Harry Wayne Gilliland, brothers; Ed and Fred Hollingsworth, and his parents. Mr. Wintjen was a professional window cleaner for 33 years in the c-u area. He worked as a motor route driver for the News Gazette (Mahomet/Fisher area) for 22 years. Thomas served in the Navy from 1955 to 1959. He attended the Alpha Omega Church of Jesus Christ in Champaign. His many interests included reading, fishing, turtle hunting, and listening to Waylon Jennings as he rode his motorcycle. He was a devoted grandfather and loved his family dearly.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.