Tribute

Surrounded by the love and support of his family, Jerome Albert Thielen, left this life in the early morning hours of Friday, June 1, 2012 at the age of 83 years.

Jerome leaves behind his beloved wife of 61 years, Verna, and five children; Sheila (Shan) Fitzpatrick, Brian (Dari) Thielen, Gerry (Noreen) Thielen, Gwenn (Saied) Kiaresh and Scott (Angie) Thielen. Also left to mourn his passing are his grandchildren, Andrea, Casey, Dallas Fitzpatrick, Mitch, Brett, Chase, Jessica Thielen, Jordan, Emily Thielen, Daniel Kiaresh, Austin and Lauren Thielen as well as 11 great grandchildren. The siblings surviving Jerome are his brother, Herbert Thielen and sister, Evelyn Lodermeier.

Jerome was predeceased by his dear son, Michael in 1963 as well as one sister, Adeline Dixson, (1994) one brother Edmund Thielen (1978) and his great grandson Jaxson Rousselle.

Jerome was born in Lethbridge, Alberta on July 26, 1928, the fourth of five children born to Peter and Rose Thielen. He was raised on the family farm east of Milk River, later attending St. Theresa’s Boarding Academy in Medicine Hat Alberta at the same time as Bishop Cooney. These high school years gave him the opportunity to compete in a variety of sports which he loved. After returning home Jerome met Verna Klatt of Foremost, Alberta and they were married in Milk River on June 12, 1951. Their union was blessed with six children.

The first ten years of their marriage were spent farming in the Milk River district. In 1961, with a family of four, Jerome and Verna moved to Grasmere, BC to work a cattle ranch. These years were filled with hard work, great friends and most of all the music he played and shared with the South Country people. After 10 years working the ranch, they made the move to Creston, BC to operate the Alberta Motel and ran this business for 20 years. In 1991, with retirement and rest in mind, they made the move to Cranbrook.

Jerome loved sports and was a faithful Kootenay Ice season ticket holder since the team came to town. Baseball and curling were some of his favourites as well. He loved to walk and was faithful to his morning walks each day. He made many friends on these excursions. He was a man who could do anything he set his mind to – a “can do” kind of guy. A special joy to all that were around him was Jerome’s musical talent. He was a self-taught musician who could play a wide variety of instruments and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Jerome was a hard worker and never shied away from any job. From building homes to changing a diaper – he could and would do it. His greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and they loved him dearly.

Jerome was truly a man who was the “salt of the earth”. In his last days, he made a very valiant effort to stay with us and his family was there to support him to the end.

The family would like to thank Dr. Dawson and the staff of the East Kootenay and Kelowna Regional Hospitals for their attentive care over the past five months. Special thanks to Dad’s angel Cindy, for always being there to brighten his days and nights.

A Memorial Service to commemorate Jerome”s life will be held at Christ the Servant Catholic Church on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 1:00 pm. If friends desire, memorial donations may be made in Jerome”s memory to East Kootenay Foundation for Health for the Physiotherapy Department, EKRH (www.ekfh.ca or by mail: EKFH, 13, 24th Ave. N, Cranbrook, B.C. V1C 3H9)