John W. Theilen, 68, of Springfield entered his eternal home on October 12, 2023 firm in his faith and surrounded by family. He was born January 25, 1955 in Springfield to Herbert and Esther (Kochman) Theilen. He was baptized February 20, 1955 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chatham. He was confirmed March 30, 1969 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in New Berlin. He attended grade school at St. John’s Lutheran in New Berlin and graduated from New Berlin High School in 1973. He married Janet Ladage on September 2, 1978 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chatham. Recently they celebrated 45 years of marriage.
He is survived by wife Janet; son Joshua, his wife Rebekah; daughter Jessica Bangert, her husband Jason; Grandchildren Ethan, Elianna, Judah, John, and Joshua Theilen and Courtney and Kyla Bangert; sister Cynthia (Mark) Ushman of Springfield; brother Glenn Theilen of Morrison; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. Aunts and Uncles Janet Hazlett of Mason, OH, Carole (Ron) Oldani of Champaign, IL, Jerry (Kris) Kochman of Kenosha, WI, and Betty Kochman of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Donna Mapes.
John is known by many for his life of hard-work and generosity. He grew up on the family farm working alongside his father and grandfather. Throughout the years he worked for various local farmers until his father retired and he returned to the family farm. His dedication to work and family carried over into other areas of his life. He regularly gave of his time and talents to various local ministries that he valued for their impact on his family’s faith formation. Whether serving at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Lutheran High School, or Camp CILCA, his work behind the scenes made a lasting impression on others and further advanced the Kingdom of God.
Family was also very important to John. His happiest times in life were spent together with Janet and their children and grandchildren. His grandchildren have countless memories with “Papa” including riding in the tractor and combine, playing along with his teasing and jokes, harvesting potatoes during summer visits, and traveling yearly to Busch Stadium to watch the St. Louis Cardinals. As a father he set an example of personal discipline and hard work. Through the decades of being an active part of his children’s lives, he modeled the importance of making family a priority. As a husband, he was a man who was dependable and faithful. John will be remembered for his commitment to his family and his loving acts of service. The life he lived clearly reflected his confirmation verse, “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:20, KJV).
The Theilen family will greet family and friends at Our Savior's Lutheran Church 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd. Springfield, IL 62704 on Monday, October 16, 2023 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Additional visitation will be on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 from 9:00 am until 9:45 am at the church. A funeral service will begin at 10:00 am at the church with Pastor's Joshua Theilen and Joshua Traxel officiating. Burial will follow in Chatham Memorial Cemetery, Chatham, IL.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions in John's name to Our Savior's Lutheran Church and School, Springfield Lutheran High School or Camp Cilca.
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West. 217-544-5424
