Louise Evelyn Tharp
01/10/1931 - 07/19/2008
Obituary
Louise Evelyn Tharp, 77, of rural Neponset, Il. died Saturday, July 19, 2008 at the family farm. She was born January 10, 1931 in rural Buda, Il. the daughter of Chester and Ruth (Corl) Nielsen. Louise graduated from the former Buda High School. She later graduated from Bradley University where she majored in Home Economics and a Physical education minor. She retired after having taught for 30 years in the Wyanet, Sheffield and Buda School Districts.
Louise married William Burt Tharp June 7, 1954 in Buda, Il. He preceded her in death on March 31, 2002. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a son Timothy in infancy.
Surviving are two daughters Teresa (Phil) Rogers of St. Joseph, Il., Susan Morck of Kewanee, three grandchildren Kelly, Jenny and Ben Morck, two step grandsons Ben and Brad Rogers, one brother Eugene (Marilyn) Nielsen of Geneseo, Il., eight nieces and nephews and several cousins.
Louise had been a member of the former First Congregational Church of Buda where she served as organist, accompanying the choir which her husband Burt directed and taught Sunday School. With that churches closure, she became a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Kewanee where she spent time as a volunteer.
Louise enjoyed working on the family farm, spending time with family, sewing, and numerous other crafts, gardening and tending the livestock. She will be remembered for her devotion to family, faith in God and service to others.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 24, 2008 at the First Presbyterian Church in Kewanee. Pastor Sally Ekstrand will officiate. Burial will be in the Hopeland Cemetery, rural Buda. Visitation will be from 4-6 P.M. Wednesday, July 23rd at the Schueneman-Tumbleson Funeral Home, Kewanee, Il. Memorials may directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Kewanee.
