Anthony “Tony” Ajster went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 5, 2025. Born November 25, 1944, in LaSalle, IL to Alice (Sajnaj) and Joseph Ajster, Jr., Tony was a lifelong resident of the Illinois Valley. He was a graduate of Hall High School, Illinois Valley Community College and Illinois State University. After graduating College, he began his career in education. His teaching career began and ended at the Area Vocational Center at LP High School. For 35+ years he was the welding instructor at the Area Vocational Center and Illinois Valley Community College. Additionally, he was the welding instructor for the Ironworkers Local 386. A gifted welder, he shared his knowledge and expertise with thousands of men and women, ultimately becoming the welding legend known as “Mr. Ajster”.
As good of a welder as he was, he was an even better Father. A devoted teacher throughout the school year, Tony took the summers to spend quality time with his family. He would spend his summer months in Minnesota with his three children. He spent hundreds of hours each summer burning endless tanks of gas fishing and pulling his children around Ottertail Lake on skis or tubes behind his boat. Spending sunup to sundown during the school year in a weld shop, he cherished his summers being outside fishing or hunting. Once retired, he would spend most days out at his shed tinkering with his toys or out in the woods talking to God.
Tony and the love of his life, Colette Ciszewski, began their life of love, laughter and adventure on February 4, 2000, and married on February 4, 2013. For twenty-five years they were inseparable, it was rare to see one without the other. In later years when his health started to fail, they were frequently seen walking hand in hand down the hallways of the local hospitals. Tony adored and loved his wife and she him. It was Colette’s love, devotion and care which kept him going.
Tony was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend.
He is survived by his wonderful angel of a wife, Colette Ajster, of Peru; his three children, Anthony (Jennie) Ajster of Spring Valley, Matthew (Molly Dazey) Ajster of Oakwood and Julie (Brad Bauman) Ajster of Dalzell; and his grandchildren, Alan Ajster, Amber (Bill) Tifrea, Mason Ajster, Landon Ajster, Jack Ajster. Special mention is made of his caregiver, Chelsea West, and her daughter, Della, who brought so much joy to Tony in his final days and to whom he referred to as his “best little friend”.
Visitation will be Thursday February 13, 2025, from 4-7 PM in the Ptak Funeral Home. Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial will be at a later date in Peru City Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ptak Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Park Lawn Association, 10833 South LaPorte, in Oak Lawn, IL60453 to help adults with disabilities thrive.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at PtakFH.com
Thursday, February 13, 2025
4:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Ptak Funeral Home
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