Janice Loretta (Suyo) Thimsen

Retired Head Librarian Passes Away
Janice Loretta (Suyo) Thimsen Died Thursday  August 13, 2020 at St. John's Hospital
Springfield, Illinois at the age of 80 years.
Janice was born on January 13, 1940 to the late Stephan J. and Opal I. (Best) Suyo in 
Ferguson, Missouri.  She was baptized on January 5, 1947 at Immanuel Lutheran Church
by Pastor E. Widenhoefer, where she remained a faithful member until her passing.
She attended Lutheran school as a child and graduated from Mt. Olive High School
with the Class of 1958.  Janice met, dated and later married her high school sweetheart
Richard Dale Thimsen.  After her graduation in 1958, she and Richard married.
Janice worked at Wepco in Mt. Olive and the Weather Proof Company in Litchfield, Il.
Together, Janice and Richard started a family in 1960 and raised seven children throughout
the years.  When her children were older, she reentered the work force.  She was a 
cook and later a meal ticket taker for the Mt. Olive School District.  She then became
the assistant librarian and would eventually become the head librarian at the Mt. Olive 
Public Library.  Janice did each of her work duties with pride and dedication.  One of her
 greatest task was writing and applying for a grant to help build the Mt. Olive Public Library 
which stands today.  She along with others spent countless hours overseeing the build 
and eventual move of the former library on Main Street.  She was proud of her work
 at the library and enjoyed greeting the patrons everyday until her retirement.
Janice was very active throughout her life. She was active with her children and grandchildren's activities.
She was the best "band mom" attending many parades, walking alongside the band
carrying her big yellow band bag which housed anything and everything a band member
might have forgotten.  One would also find her cheering on the band from the bleachers at
football games and marching band competitions. She was President of the Band Boosters.
She was also a lifetime member of the Heritage Band, formerly the Municipal Band where
she was the band manager during the Mt. Olive Concert Series.  She loved playing her
trombone for many years.  She also sang in the community choir.
Janice was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.  She was a Sunday School teacher,
for 50 years, Bible school teacher, weekday school teacher as well as a member of the choir, LWML,
Altar Guild and volunteered and helped with the yearly Ethnic Festival and Ice Cream Social.
She was an avid Cardinal Baseball fan and loved trips to Branson.
Surviving Janice are her children; LeAnn Hoffstot and companion Eric Miller, Lori Petroline
and husband Bob, Lanette Thimsen-Troy and husband Greg, Linelle Lyerla and companion
Richard Vieregge, Lorette Pollard and husband Ron,  Luther Thimsen and wife Jennifer,
Lorna Thimsen and companion Richard Sanson.  She is also survived by her grandchildren;
Zachary and Zane Hoffstot, Dustin Petroline and wife Amber, Kevin Petroline and fiancé
Hollie Cassen, Brendin Petroline and wife, Celia , Gabrielle Lyerla and fiancé, Jacob Petty,
Abigail Pollard, Gavin and Grason Thimsen and Alaina Sanson.  Great-Grandchildren MaKenna
and Evan Petroline and Alidia and Asher Petty. 1 Sister; Sharilyn Hittmeier and husband
John : 1 Niece;  Dawn McCarthy and husband Dan; 1 Nephew; Eric Hittmeier and wife,
Patty and also great nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her Parents: Stephan & Opal Suyo: Husband: Richard, Grandson Edmund Thimsen
and Nephew: Sean Hittmeier.
Our hearts are broken but we find great comfort in knowing she is with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
She's worked long and hard to get to Heaven.  She is with her husband now dancing to their favorite song
by Willie Nelson, "You Are Always on my Mind."  Janice loved her family, they were her greatest joy.
She is free from pain and worry.  She was welcomed into Heaven by God, saying "Well done good and faithful
servant, well done!"
Visitation: Wednesday, August 19, 2020, 9:30 a.m. until the time of Service.
Funeral Service:  Wednesday, August 19, 2020, 11:00 a.m. Immanuel  Lutheran Church, Mt. Olive, IL.
Minister:  Reverend James Ritter
Burial:  Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Mt. Olive, 
Lunch:  A Private Family lunch will be held after Services.
Memorials:  Immanuel Lutheran Church // Mt. Olive Public Library
condolences:  www.beckerandson.com
Becker & Son Funeral Homes, Mt. Olive is in charge of arrangements.

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