Rosemary (nee Ripani) Thelen

Rosemary Thelen of Johnsburg, passed away January 29, 2025, in her home, after being cared for by her loving family and the support of JourneyCare Hospice.

Rosemary was born July 1,1931, in Forest Park to Umberto and Rose (LaPaglia) Ripani.  She attended St. Bernadine's Catholic School in Forest Park and graduated from Proviso High School, during which time she worked as a cashier at the National Tea Co Food Store. On June 23,1951, Rosemary was united in marriage to the love of her life, Raymond Thelen, and she lived her best life for 62 years. She became a longtime member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church where she raised her four children. Rosemary was a dedicated wife and mother and she could out sew and out cook the best of them. She was an active participant in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Rosemary was a Scout Leader and an avid sports fan.  She loved the Cubs and Anthony Rizzo and any sports or activity that her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids participated in and attended events up until the time of her death.  Rosemary was a devoted caregiver for many years, caring for her daughter, husband, parents, and in-laws. Everyone loved Rosemary, and her children's friends would ask, "Can she adopt me?".  She would help anyone
and as a young mother, saved a family friend, "John", from drowning at the beach; he refers to her as his “angel”. Everyone who knew her has cherished memories of her and she will forever be in their hearts.

Rosemary will be deeply missed by her loving children, Ray (Michelle) Thelen Jr. of Arizona, Christine Nobilio (Terry Coon) of Johnsburg, Patti (Mary) Thelen of Twin Lakes, WI; grandchildren, Kelly (Darran), Sara (Jeff), Josh (Courtney), Jake (Heidi), Brittany (Jon), Kate (Matt), Kelsey (Don), Ray III, Troy (Kim), Chase (Tori), Jenna (Scott), Christian, and Tanner; great-grandchildren, Skyler, Jayden, Lexi, Xander, Jeremy, Lila, April, Jack, Mabel, Sullivan, Brody, Cash, Bella, Harper, Bexley, Bowen, Brianna, Eli, Levi, Hayley, Tessa, Emma, Olivia, and Colt.  She was a cherished sister of Annie Stawarski and Al Ripani both of Arizona; sister-in-law, Lucina Skinner of California; and many other loving relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; her daughter, Rosemarie Rose; her parents; sister, Violet Weyrauch; nephews, Joey, Harold, and Jack; brothers-in-law, Hank Stawarski, Don Weyrauch, Vern Thelen, John Skinner, and Jim Hunter; sisters-in-law, June Ripani, Bunny Thelen, and Luella Hunter; and in-laws, John and Agatha Thelen.

Visitation Wednesday, February 5, from 3-8 p.m., at Hamsher Lakeside Funerals & Cremations, 12 N. Pistakee Lake Rd., Fox Lake.  Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, February 6, 10 a.m., St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2302 W. Church St., Johnsburg, IL 60051.  All are invited to go directly to the Church.  Burial will follow in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Johnsburg.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Church in Rosemary's name, appreciated.

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