Gayle A. Thole

Gayle A. Thole, age 54 of Highland, IL, died Monday, April 11, 2016, at Saint Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville, IL. She was born on Saturday, November 25, 1961, in Highland, IL, the daughter of Virgil and Adeline (nee Frey) Wilhelm. On Friday, December 04, 1981, she married Ronald J. Thole at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL, who survives. She was a member of Saint Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL and Highland Garden Club. Gayle was born in Highland, IL and grew up on a farm south of town. She graduated from St. Paul High School, Highland, IL, in 1979. She attended Eastern Illinois University and Southern Illinois University with an emphasis in English education. She worked for Widmer Floral Company, Highland, IL, for over 30 years and purchased the business, July of 2011. Anything that was delivered from her shop had to be "Right/Perfect". Work was never a 40 hour week, it included Saturdays, Sundays and all hours of the day. She enjoyed knitting, knitted all of her grandchildren a baby blanket; shooting pool at Scooters and Beagle Inn; Bowling League at Hi Top Bowl; playing euchre; solving word and jig-saw puzzles. She raised her own vegetables, canned them and was known for her salsa. She loved her children and grandchildren. Annually, with her siblings, in honor of their mother they did a Christmas Tree for the Louis Latzer Homestead and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. Survivors include: Husband - Ronald J. Thole, Highland, IL Father - Virgil J. Wilhelm, Highland, IL Daughter - Rebecca L. (David) Roth, Troy, IL Son - Joseph W. (Joyce) Thole, Troy, IL Grandchild - Adele K. Roth, Troy, IL Grandchild - Amelia R. Roth, Troy, IL Grandchild - Charlotte J. Thole, Troy, IL Grandchild - Malcolm J. Roth, Troy, IL Grandchild - Evelyn M. Thole, Troy, IL Sister - Kathleen M. (R. Leland) Grant, Edwardsville, IL Brother - Kenny A. (Susan) Wilhelm, Bend, OR Sister - Connie J. (John) Tauser, Florissant, MO Sister - Carol Sue (Kelly) Kimmitt, San Diego, CA Sister - Nancy J. (Mark) Gilbert, Seattle, WA Sister - Trina M. (James) Zurfluh, Seattle, WA Many - Nieces and Nephews. She was preceded in death by: Mother - Adeline G. Wilhelm nee Frey died 12/26/1998. Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, April 15, 2016, at Saint Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL and from 8:00 AM to 9:45 AM on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at Saint Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at Saint Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL., with Father Pat G. Jakel, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society or American Lung Association.

Gayle A. Thole

November 25, 1961 - April 11, 2016