Jerrita M. Thielmann, 89, a lifelong resident of Dowagiac, passed away early Tuesday morning, October 22, 2024, at her home.
She was born on November 18, 1934, in Dowagiac, the daughter of the late Gerald and Helen (Bresnahan) Welsh. On November 3, 1956, Jerrita was united in marriage to Joseph P. Thielmann.
She will always be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and being the rock of the family. She loved music, poetry and spending time with her family. She loved her Irish heritage and could bring humor to any occasion. She will be dearly missed and we are all grateful and blessed to have been a part of her life.
Surviving are 5 children – Jim (Gerry) Thielmann, Joe (Brenda) Thielmann, Debbie (Tim Tirotta) Gonzalez, Mary Ryll and Michael (Betsy) Thielmann; 14 grandchildren – LeeAnne Thielmann, John (Becky) Thielmann, Alicia (Joseph) Kidd, Nathan (Sarah) Thielmann, Christy (Fidel) Mazeda, Jamie (Lukus) Handshoe, Jason Taravat, Sarah Taravat, Katie Thielmann, Mikey (Dawn) Douglas, Nick, Madisyn, Grace and Aiden; 22 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; sister – Patricia (Jim) Rutherford; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her husband of 55 years – Joseph Thielmann; daughter – Angela Douglas; grandson – Brandon Douglas; 1 great-granddaughter-Meghan Houser; brother – Timothy Welsh; and 2 sisters – Nancy Smith and Gloria Pierce.
A service to celebrate Jerrita’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center St, Dowagiac, where friends may visit with the family from 12:00 PM until the time of service. Interment will follow in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be directed to Caring Circle Hospice. Please visit Jerrita’s personalized webpage to share a memory or leave condolences to her family at www.clarkch.com.
Service Details
Visitation
When
October 25th, 2024 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Where
Clark Chapel
Address
405 Center St.
DOWAGIAC, MI 49047
Service
When
October 25th, 2024 2:00pm
Where
Clark Chapel
Address
405 Center St.
Dowagiac , MI 49047
Interment
Where
Mission Hills Memorial Gardens – Niles
Address
61453 M-51
Niles , MI 49120