Published on September 21, 2026 6:11 pm
Last Updated on September 21, 2026 6:11 pm
Jerome (Jerry) Thoele, 62 of Effingham, IL, died at 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 12,2026 at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital.
Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2:00P.M.-6:00P.M. at the American Legion in Teutopolis, IL. Eulogy and prayer will begin at 4:30 with military rites to follow.
Jerome (Jerry) Brian Thoele was born on January 29, 1964, in Effingham, IL. He was the son of Russel Thoele and Rosemary (Kaufman) Thoele. He married his wife, Diane (Hites) Thoele, on April 16, 1988, at Sacred Heart Church. Jerry is a graduate of Effingham High School. After high school, he enlisted in the National Guard. Jerry worked in construction, at the Moto Gas station, and as a cook at a nursing home. His longest job was at Petty’s, where he worked through many name changes but ended up as Quad Graphics as a supervisor in Bindery. He enjoyed all things outdoors, specifically hunting, fishing, camping, and working in his garden. Jerry and his wife Diane took many of their nieces and nephews camping each year. Later in life, he got his side-by-side. He really enjoyed going riding. He would often go and take his grandkids, nieces, and nephews until he could no longer drive. Once that happened, he would go on rides with his brother-in-law, Randy.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 38 years, Diane Thoele; daughter Natasha Thoele Davis (Andy) of Teutopolis, IL; Chelsea Fuller Terry (Warren) of Georgia; and granddaughters Bailey Siebert, Reghan Griffith, and Emma Davis of Teutopolis. Grandsons, Cadon Ernest of Georgia and Takorie Fuller of Texas. His brothers Emmett Thoele, Glen Thoele (Alaina), Sister Becky Flack, brothers-in-law Randy Hites, Jim Hites, Keith Hites (Sarah), Paul Gouchenour, Lyle Ingram, and Jim Flack. Sisters-in-law Brenda Gouchenouer and Irene Ingram. As well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. As well as many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Rosemary Thoele, his sister Alberta, and Husband Bob Simpson, sisters-in-law Michelle Thoele, Sandy Hites, and Mary Lou Hites. Grandparents Fern and Anna Kaufman, Al Thoele, and Bernadine Thoele. Nephew Travis Ingram, and Niece Jamie Schmohe. As well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins from both sides of the family.
The family would personally like to thank Dr. Dy, Dr. Flynn, Dr. Kowalski, and HSHS Hospice for the great care Jerry received throughout his life and during his cancer journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated toward medical and final expenses.