Thelma R. Strejc, nee Schratzmeier, passed peacefully at home at the age of 77, surrounded by family, after a brave but short battle with cancer. Beloved wife of Bruce for 45 years; loving mother of Donna Dean, Nick (Maggie) Strejc, John (Brighid) Strejc; cherished grandmother of Abbey and Becca Loague, Adeline and Chris Strejc.
Born in Altoona, Pa., in 1943 to John and Elizabeth Schratzmeier, Thelma was the fourth of six children. She and her family moved to the Chicagoland suburbs in the 1950s, settling in Elmhurst. Years later, she would meet and marry Bruce E. Strejc, spend more than 30 years in their Elmhurst home and settle into retired life in Mosinee, Wisc., in 2009.
A supportive wife and caring mother, she put her family first as a homemaker for many years. She was very creative and enjoyed woodworking, painting, and sewing. Thelma was a fantastic cook, always ensuring there was plenty of food, no matter how many were seated at the table for dinner or a special holiday gathering. She enjoyed flowers, plants, and gardening. As a nature and animal lover, she cared for several dogs, cats, birds, and other creatures throughout her life. Thelma loved the Wisconsin lakeshore and enjoyed more than 40 years at the cottage she and Bruce shared with their children on Big Saint Germain. Together, they loved fishing, hosting family and friends, and building memories together.
She was a life-long lover of books and movies, especially enjoying her time as a librarian at the Addison and Elmhurst Public Libraries.
Thelma is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Annie; her parents, John and Elizabeth Schratzmeier, brother Tom, and sisters Glenda, Carol, Peg. She is survived by a sister Linda and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Thelma will be remembered as a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be missed by so many. A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and friends in Illinois. Arrangements provided by Beste Funeral Home in Mosinee, Wisc. For more information, call 715-693-2450 or visit bestefh.com.
