Tom Kohout

On Monday, April 20, 2026, Thomas Henry Kohout, 79, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family, after a long battle with cancer.

He was born on March 19, 1947 in Canton, Illinois, to Maynard and Emma Kohout.

At a very young age he was taught to golf by his uncles and developed a love of the game, which continued throughout his life. He enjoyed going to car shows, hunting, playing cards, vacations, and all of the holidays, which he shared with his extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents. His mother and father-in-law; Maurice Sr. and Helen Schmidling. Brothers-in-law; Maurice Jr. and Dennis Schmidling, and sister-in-law, Judy Schmidling.

He is survived by his wife 55 years Sheila (Schmidling) Kohout, his son Michael (Karla) Kohout and his daughter Kelly (Michael) Vitale. His five grandchildren: Riley, Victor, and Thomas Kohout and Salem Amelia Vitale. Sisters-in-law; Dorothy Schmidling, Karen (Dave) Wallsmith, and many nieces and nephews.

He was a man that would do anything for anybody. If a favor was asked, he would do everything in his power to help and if he could not take care of the "ask" he would find someone that could.

He was a GolfPro and a member of the Heart of America Golf Course Superintendents Association (GCSA) but really enjoyed teeing it up with everyday guys that liked hitting the greens. He was a loving and giving husband, father, grandpa, and brother to his extended family. He was, a very kind, generous, and inclusive man.

The family would like to thank Cathloic Community Hospice, for the care and comfort provided.

In Tom's memory, he would like you to, Pay-It-Forward when you can.

Services will be held privately, for family only.

To leave a special message for his family or to share a memory of Tom, please visit the guestbook below.