Norbert W. "Bud" Althoff, 97 of Effingham, passed away into the arms of our Lord on February 4, 2016, surrounded by his family.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery with military graveside rites. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday evening at the church, with a 6:30 p.m. eulogy and a 7:00 p.m. 4th Degree Chalice service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The Family Life Center, The Cross at the Crossroads, or St. Anthony School.

Bud was born on January 16, 1919 in Effingham, the son of Aloysius and Helena (Swingler) Althoff. He married Lucille R. Jansen in 1945 and she preceded him in death on May 25th, 1999. He then married Sophie Nuxoll Kreke on June 6, 2000 and she preceded him in death on August 6, 2011.

He was a 1937 graduate of Effingham High School and a 1942 graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in accounting. Bud was a captain in the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving from 1942-1945. He was a celestial navigator in the China-India-Burma Campaign, flying supply missions in India across the Himalayas into China.

Bud was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a dear friend to many.  He touched the hearts of everyone he met, making new friends, young and old, wherever he went. His gusto for life carried him through his 97 years.  Bud always had a full calendar which might include morning mass, breakfast with the boys, trip to the golf course, and cheering on the Bulldogs at their latest sporting event.

In 1984, after 39 years he retired as President from Fedders. He then joined the City of Effingham, working in economic development, retiring in 2000.

He was very humbled when honored as Citizen of the Year in 1988. Bud was actively involved in many civic leadership roles including: St. Anthony Hospital board, the Planning Commission; Chairman of the United Way; Trustee and Director of the Effingham State Bank; Treasurer of St. Anthony Parish and President of the Parish Council President.

Althoff was a member of Knights of Columbus and has received the 4th Degree status. He has been a member of Effingham Country Club since 1957.

He counts the formation of the Family Life Center, which also funds The Silk Purse, as one of his greatest contributions. He also was a partner in the development of The Cross at the Crossroads.

He is survived by three sons, Ron (Becky Burnett), Steve (Barb Durr) and Peter (Marian Lee Bulow), all of Effingham; three daughters, Ann Althoff Mayer (John 'Jody') of St Louis, MO., Joan (Mark) Thies and Carla (Phil) Koerner of Effingham; sister, Marilyn Gangloff of Tripplett, MO; 19 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren also survive.

Bud was also preceded in death by his grandson, Allen Peter Althoff; brothers, Art and Les and a sister, Verena (Joe) Sur.