Rose Thiel, nee Leonard, passed away Sunday, Feb. 10, 2002 in Kalamazoo, MI. Survived by her children, Fred (Dolores) Thiel Jr. of Evergreen Park, IL, Charles Thiel of Kankakee, IL, Robin (Steve) Powers of Kalamazoo, MI and Cheryl Heather of Kankakee, IL; 22 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and two greatgreat-grandchildren. One brother, Robert Leonard of New Milford, NJ; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Preceded in death by her husband, Frederick H. Thiel Sr.; two daughters, Lynnette and Nancy; and one son, Leonard. Rose’s entire life revolved around taking care of her family. She always made sure that they were provided for, and her kitchen, literally was open 24 hours a day. She always was ready and willing to fix a meal for her family at any time. Rose Thiel was born in Hoboken, NJ on July 29, 1920, daughter of the late Charles and Frances, nee LeCount, Leonard. She grew up there and was always proud to say that she went to high school with Frank Sinatra, who was a friend of hers. On April 16, 1939 she married Frederick H. Thiel in Union City, NJ. Eventually they moved to the Chicago area and settled in Joliet. Rose worked as a waitress for many years in that area. She was a member of the Ladies of the Moose Lodge #110 in Chicago and had earned her Friendship Classification. She loved to bowl and bowled in many leagues, both in the Chicago area and in the Kalamazoo area as well. Rose loved to crochet and do crossword puzzles. Funeral Services will be held Friday, Feb. 15, 2002 at 11 a.m. at the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Rd., Joliet. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation Thursday 5 to 8 p.m. Memorials to the Hospice of Greater Kalamazoo would be appreciated. For info, call 815-744-4444 .
