Charles T. "Tom" Von Almen, 51 died Monday, May 5, 1997 at St. Louis University Hospital where he was undergoing heart transplant surgery.

Burial in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Jerseyville.

Von Almen was born September 15, 1945 in Olney, the son of John R. and Julia M. (Campbell) Von Almen. He married Stephanie Wells at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olney.

He was a 1964 graduate of East Richland High School. After completing one year at Eastern Illinois University, he served with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he earned the rank of Sergeant. After serving his country, he earned his master degree in English. After student teaching in Decatur, he accepted his first teaching position at Jersey Community High School, where he remained for 24 years teaching in the English department. He served as assistant girls' basketball coach for a short time. He was the personnel director at the Raging Rivers Water Park in Grafton.

He is survived by his wife; two sons, Erich Von Almen  and Kyle Von Almen; one daughter, Beth Von Almen of Jerseyville; two brothers, his twin, Bob Von Almen of Alton and David Von Almen of Half Bay Moon, Calif.; and one sister, Judy Miller of Hartford, Ky.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)