Thelma Louise Weisenbeck, age 94 of Eau Claire WI, formerly of Durand WI, took God’s hand and passed away peacefully March 24, 2023, with her family by her side.

She was born April 12, 1928 in the town of Eau Galle, WI to Edwin and Louisa Gasteyer, being the second of five daughters.

Thelma (Gasteyer) married Darrell Weisenbeck on August 30, 1949 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand.  They were married 63 years and farmed in the Durand community.  For the last six years Thelma resided at Oakwood Hills Independent Senior Living in Eau Claire where she developed some very dear friendships.

Thelma was blessed with many talents. She was an accomplished seamstress who frequently purchased an entire bolt of fabric to make matching dresses for her 5 daughters.  Thelma also loved to crochet, tat, embroider, quilt, garden and bake (she made the best poppy roll!).  She was an active member of the choir at St. Mary’s Church for a number of years. Many knew her as a great listener and wonderful friend.  Thelma was a modest woman whose daily prayers and rosary were a priority in her life.

Thelma’s legacy will be carried on by her six children, Brenda of Eau Claire, Barbara (Mike) Biesterveld of Durand, Bonnie (Mike) Brunner of Hudson, Dan (Jane) of Durand, Donna (Mark) Scheevel of Harmony, MN, and Denise (Ted) Janzow of Elgin, MN.

She is further survived by 14 grandchildren, Troy Biesterveld, Jill (Matt) Hoyt, Ben (Lara) Biesterveld, Allisa Brunner, Adam (Sarah) Brunner, Lisa (Chad) Hanson, Sara (Patrick) Cotter, Ryan (Megan) Weisenbeck, Drew Scheevel, Derek (Emily) Scheevel, Leah Scheevel, Lauren (Nathan) Riess, Steven (Chaslin) Janzow, 29 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

Also surviving Thelma are 2 sisters, Cathy (Joe) Schaeve and Marge (Jim) Schiefelbein.

She was preceded in death by her husband Darrell, her parents, her 2 sisters Carol Hartung and Edie Weisenbeck, grandson Daniel Mark Scheevel, and great-grandson Jack Kruse.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on 12:00PM Noon Thursday, March 30, 2023 at St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church, Durand, WI. The Mass will be livestreamed on the Rhiel Funeral Home’s Facebook page. Family and friends are invited for a visitation from 10:00AM until the time of the Mass at church.  The burial will follow the service in the parish cemetery.

The family would like to express special thanks for the wonderful care provided by St. Croix Hospice, especially by Meg and Nancy during Thelma’s final days. The family would also like to thank Julie’s Team who assisted Thelma with care for the past few months at Oakwood Hills.

Rhiel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family. 

Condolences

1. Chris Williams April 15, 2023, at 10:58am

   Bonnie
   So sorry to hear that your mother has passed away. Blessings to you and your family. Chris

2. Sharon Gingras April 6, 2023, at 9:34am

   Such a lovely lady was Thelma. Always kind and thoughtful. I was fortunate to have wonderful conversations with her when she came to the flower shop. She will be remembered.

3. Jean Gardner March 30, 2023, at 2:38pm

   Sorry for the loss f Thelma to her family and friends. Condolences and may she RIP. Sorry did nine out the loss until after funeral. She an Del were good friends.

4. Liz & Jack Jensen March 30, 2023, at 1:13pm

   Thelma, your love and kindness were a gift to us all. What a beautiful legacy you and Darrell have gifted to the world through your children and grandchildren. Sending our love to your family, Liz & Jack, Peter & Tommy

5. Maria Gifford March 29, 2023, at 11:34pm

   I have thought about Thelma a lot this week and how she touched my life from early on. She had a keen sense of quiet awareness about the people and lives around her, and she was special because she always asked questions – even about the hard stuff, because it was important – yet she did it with sincere kindness and deep respect, and always with honest eye contact that said she’s asking because she cares. And when she asked about the good things in life, she did it with a darling little smirk and a touch of wit! I loved that about her, and so much more. From as young as I can remember, if she was in the room, I was drawn to her presence. What an amazing woman – one that I feel so honored to have had in my life. I will miss her dearly. XO - Love, Maria

6. Maria Gifford March 29, 2023, at 8:26pm

   Thelma took the best care of us -- every one of us, in every way she could. From Dad (and Mom) in the office (for better or worse), to she and Brenda, Barb, Bonnie, Donna, and Denise (and Dan) caring for little Steve, Liz, Maria, and Gina as if we were their own, to always staying in touch -- year after year, decade after decade -- as life moved us away from Wisconsin and our "heartland" of Maxville prairie, where Darrell and Thelma never gave up on us, ever. There are so few humans like Thelma who grace us in this lifetime. She was more than a blessing -- she was the closest thing to a true angel we'll likely ever know. THANK YOU, sweet Thelma, for everything. You blessed our lives beyond words. XO - Our love, The Giffords

7. Andrea Smith March 29, 2023, at 5:46am

   I'm so sorry for the loss of a wonderful woman. I had the pleasure of caring for her at Oakwood when I was with Recover Care. definitely one who will be greatly missed
   Andrea

8. Nickie March 29, 2023, at 5:38am

   Denise, Ted and family
   We are so sorry for your loss. While reading the obituary, I realized that my dear friend Denise is like her mom in many ways- strong in faith, a good listener, and a wonderful friend.
   Prayers to the entire family and for Thelma.

9. Beth Lilly March 28, 2023, at 10:06pm

   Brenda, I continue to pray for you,your family and mother. May God grant you peace. Beth

10. Judy and John Parr March 28, 2023, at 6:20pm

    Sorry for your loss hugs

11. Jane Bauer Poeschel March 28, 2023, at 2:38pm

    My deepest sympathy to the entire Weisenbeck family. Thelma was the kindest, sweetest lady. A true beauty, inside and out. I always enjoyed seeing and visiting with her. I still have the heart shaped engraved jewelry box her and Darrell gave me for my 8th grade graduation. She was always so thoughtful. You are in my thoughts and Prayers.

12. Connie & Terry Weber March 28, 2023, at 1:02pm

    Thoughts of Thelma will always be of kindness & grace. Sympathy & prayers sent to the family.

13. Jeffrey D. Burrill March 28, 2023, at 10:40am

    I was honored to know Thelma while I was at Saint Mary's. Please know of my thought and prayers.

    In the Risen Lord,

    Fr. Burrill
    1 Cor 2:9

14. Pat Ross March 28, 2023, at 10:09am

    My deepest sympathy Brenda, to you and your entire family.

15. Beatrice Gasteyer March 28, 2023, at 1:02am

    Blessings to the family and friends of Thelma. She lived a beautiful life of service to all she knew. She will be missed by many.

16. Mark &. Kathy Sommer March 27, 2023, at 9:37pm

    Sincere condolences for the passing of your mom. A beautiful reunion is taking place with her forever family.
    With love,
    Mark, Kathy and Adam

17. Rita Koller Kepple March 27, 2023, at 7:40pm

    Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you doing this difficult time.

18. Judy Anderson March 27, 2023, at 7:36pm

    I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Your Mom a lovely person. I always enjoyed visiting with her when our paths happened to cross. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

19. Janet Weishapple Funke March 27, 2023, at 7:23pm

    Brenda’s mom Thelma was such a kind lady. I have fond memories of staying overnight at their home during grade school years (St Mary’s). She was a very special lady. Peace to you Thelma and you are now reunited with your loving husband. RIP❤️

20. Suzi Crownhart March 27, 2023, at 6:57pm

    Barb and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother and grandmother. Rest in Peace Thelma.

21. Brenda Smith March 27, 2023, at 6:43pm

    Very sorry for your loss. Prayers for all the family.

22. Tim and Diane Weber March 27, 2023, at 4:56pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. What a special lady she was! So sweet and so caring. We are thinking of you all and sending lots of love and hugs.

23. Nancy & Pat Wayne March 27, 2023, at 4:49pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. Thelma was such a sweet lady and so kind to everyone. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

24. Nick and Sue Sperger March 27, 2023, at 4:14pm

    We are so sorry for your loss! Our deepest condolences.

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