LESLIE (LES) R. THIELMAN

replace photo with Les’s headstone when completed

LESLIE (LES) RALPH THIELMAN 

DOB: December 12, 1932
Hammond, IN  

DOD: July, 3rd, 2020
At Home, Arlington Heights, IL 

 

 

 

Son of Walter L. Thielman and Paula M. (nee Kuhlman) Thielman

 

Brother To: Loren W. Thielman

 


CHICAGO HEIGHTS AIRPORT / GOVENOR’S AIR PARK / WINGS FIELD 

Les grew up on his father’s airports, first the Chicago Heights Airport and later Governor’s Air Park, Richton Heights, IL 

Chicago Heights Airport

Governor’s Air Park / Wings Field

 

As a young man he enjoyed fixing and racing stock cars in addition to helping at the airport when needed. He was taught to fly by his older brother “Loren” and his father “Walter” 

 

1953, At the age of 21 he enlisted in the US Army and served at Fort Sheridan Army Base and  studied Chemical Biological & Radiological Warfare Defense and Artillery Survey Specialist. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Expert Marksmanship Badge (M-1) He served in Battery 175 Field Artillery Battalion. 

Les ‘s is in the Amy Now

He also Married” Dollie Joanne Johnson 

Husband to: Dollie Joanne Johnson, Married  June 24, 1953

 

The Army Bridal Hut, Ft. Jackson, SC

Dad told a story about bring Dollie to the Bridal hut and they sent hours cleaning and sweeping it out and making it cozy, Dollie prepared dinner and for desert made a lemon meringue pie, After dinner they put the pie on top of the refrigerator and overnight the roaches ate all the meringue off the top of the pie.  ( it must have been love) 


 

Father To: Sherry L. (Larry) Gianneschi , Sandra Lee Thielman, Walter Scott Thielman 

In 1954 his first daughter came along: Sherry Lynn Thielman 

Followed by: Sandra Lee Thielman, 1956

And Last his son: Walter Scott Thielman, 1963

 

 

 

 

 


in 1959 at the age of 27,  He’s father “Walt” died of a massive heart attach and left his mother to run the airport on her own. Les joined his mother in managing Governor’s Air  park and later took over ownership and changed the name of the Airport to Wings Field. In addition he was a used equipment salesman for Midwest Industrial Properties, Chicago Heights, IL 

 

 

As a hobby he also built a Go-Cart track on the airports property and began building go-carts at home.

 

 

 

He also built his own airplane from the ground up in the family garage in Park Forest, IL . It was quite a sight to see the airplane with its wings alone side of it strapped to a trailer and towed to the airport in Richmond Park, IL . 

 

 


November 5,  1968 at the age of 36, he lost his wife and the mother of his children: Sherry, Sandy & Scott. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Husband to: Carol Frances Koehn/Broerjtes , Married August 1969

Got to love the smirk on Les’s face

in 1969 at the age of 37, he Remarried a second time to: Carol Frances Koehn/Broerjtes in August 1969 and became step-father to: Mark, Scott & Kent Broerjtes.

In 1969 after the wedding he moved the whole family, all six kids and his  new wife to Prospect Heights, IL and sold Wings Field to the Civil Air Patrol.

in 1969 He’s started his own used machinery business “Wings Machinery” in Wheeling, IL . at the same time he bought himself a Beechcraft “Staggerwing Beech” model D17 bi-plane. 

 

Model Airplane collection

 

 

 

Les also owned, Auctions Unlimited and was an auctioneer. He was an avid reader of Si-fi and mystery books, he collected coins, lead soldiers and vintage model airplanes 

 

 

 

In the early 1970’s Les built his own 1939 Roadster from the Ground up, It gave him pleasure for many years and remains in the family to this day.

 

 

As the years past, Carol and Les had many good years, many wonderful vacations and many happy holidays together. 

(Create slideshow of vacations & holidays ) 


 

For many years Les & Carol owned and operated “The Mole Hole” A exclusive gift shop in Glenview, IL and also in Florida 

(add photo of Glenview shop)

 


The kids all grew up and most got married and the grandchildren started coming, these are just a few photo’s of the grandchildren. Too many photos to show all of them, there are 15 grandchildren & 7 great-grandchildren in all. 

(create slideshow of grandchildren) 


In 2017 Les lost his 2nd wide Carol , mother of Mark, Scott & Kent Broerjtes and for the last 2.5 years he lived in his home with his step-son Mark. 



Obituary for Leslie Ralph Thielman

 

Leslie Ralph Thielman, 87, of Arlington Heights, IL passed away peacefully July 3, 2020 in his home.

He was born December 12, 1932 in Hammond, Indiana to Walter Louis and Paula Marguerite Thielman. As a teenager, Les was enrolled in a mechanic school and then worked in a mechanic’s shop. He enjoyed working on cars so much that he started building cars, racing cars and go-carts. Les later then served in the United States Army as a land surveyor and mechanic.

While working at his father’s airports, Chicago Heights Airport and Governors Air Park (Richton Park, IL), his passion for planes grew. He became a flight instructor, built full scale, and collected vintage model airplanes. Les took over the family owned airport after his father’s passing and changed its name to Wing’s Field. In June of 1953 he married Dollie Joanne Johnson and had 3 beautiful children: Sherry, Sandra, and Scott. After the passing of Dollie, Les married Carol Frances Koehn/Broertjes in August of 1969. Carol had 3 sons of her own, Mark, Scott and Kent making the family complete.

Les was a true businessman/entrepreneur. After a while, he sold the airport and took on new adventures. He was a used machinery salesman (Midwest Industrial Properties), used machinery business owner (Wings Machinery and Auctions Unlimited). He even dabbled in being an auctioneer and a co-owner of a specialty gift shop (The Mole Hole) before retiring to enjoy quality time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He had many passions that he enjoyed in his spare time, reading sci-fi and mystery novels, collecting (coins and lead soldiers). Along with being a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Prospect Heights, the Lions Club of Prospect Heights, and participated in the Beecher Mausoleum National Landmark Restoration Project.

Les was an amazing, strong, and generous man who had a heart of gold. He loved being around friends and family and was always there to help someone when they were in need. He loved to entertain his grandchildren with Donald Duck impressions and singing old time songs that always made them laugh and smile.

Les is survived by his children, Sherry (Larry) Gianneschi, Sandra Lee Thielman, and W. Scott Thielman and Stepson Mark Broerjtes; 15 grandchildren: Justin, Ryan, Shane, Brandon and Marisa Broertjes; Larry, Nick and Amanda Gianneschi; Christina Lee; Samantha, Stacey, Michael, Jacqueline, Alex and Steven Thielman; 7 great grandchildren, Tyler, Layla, Kain, Rocco and Gianna Broertjes; Aryanna and L.J. Gianneschi. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Paula Thielman; a brother, Loren Thielman; his wives: Dollie J. Thielman and Carol F. Thielman; stepsons, Scott and Kent Broertjes.

Les will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him. A service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 304 W. Palatine Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070.

Memorials: Memorial may be made at: Hack-Jensen Funeral Home, Beecher, IL. https://www.hackfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Leslie-Thielman/ or at the Beecher Mausoleum www.beechermausoluem.org/Les.R.Thielman


  FINAL FLIGHT 

 LESLIE RALPH THIELMAN

December 12th, 1932

 July 3rd, 2020

1939 Staggerwing Beechcraft D17S

 

N236E, November 236 Echo, you are cleared for final take off. Destination – the pearly gates of heaven. Winds are calm, weather is good. Your final pre-flight check list is complete! All systems are go! Look Dad, do you see them? The little BOX family with all the kids are out again on the side of the runway to watch you take off one more time.

As if on an angel’s wing, you left this earthly plain for the last time as you soar through the clouds with aerobatic loops, rolls and spins and practicing your favorite trick with nose up and nose down maneuvers, you float your Zippo thru the air from the dashboard into your shirt pocket, Bravo Dad. Do it again please. Simply enjoying yourself just like you have done so many times before. Fly high Daddy, higher still. I know you can do it! Heaven waits for you now.

As you prepare for landing, your final checklist is complete.

Do you hear the band Dad? They are playing a few of the songs you loved, The Preacher and the Bear, The Darktown Poker Club, Deck of Cards and the 3 little fishes in the itty-bitty pool to name just a few. 

While all of those you once loved stand at the gate waiting for you to land. Look Dad, Your Grandparents are there, your Mom & Dad, your bother Shorty too. Your two beautiful wives are waiting to take your arm again. Scott & Kent are there. Look Dad, more are coming, all your family’s ties are there, The Kuhlmans, Bielfeldts, Thielmans, Johnsons, Stennings and Koehns too. Dad, do you see them?  There’s Shep, Bingo, Big Saam & Sheba, Kim, Dusty, Lucy and Gretel just to name a few, they have all come from across the rainbow bridge to play with you again.

While here on earth, those you left behind wept at your departure as we watched you fly into the clouds for the final time.

We will miss you everyday Dad.

We know our own flights to heaven are scheduled for another day

 So, Wait for us Dad.

Soon we will join you and we can all be together once more.

This is how I wish to remember your last day on earth Dad. I hope Heaven has wonderful Airports, Racetracks and Go-cart tracks waiting for you to play on.

Love you to the Moon and Back!!! Your Loving Daughter

and Daddy’s little girl.

              Sandra Lee 

                Thielman

 

 

 

In Loving Memory 

Editors note:  When  was little I could not say foxes. So every time I asked dad to take me out to see the foxes it came out BOXES. You could only see them when you taxied an airplane down the runway. Otherwise they would always hide. Kits are baby foxes, but again I called them KIDS. 

 


Up, Up and away on angels wings to Heaven’s gate you Soared : July 3rd, 2020

                      At Dad’s Funeral we had the honor of the US. Military Honor Guard and a few pilots for Galt Field honored Les with a fly over. We are very Honored to have loved such a great man. 


We will miss our Father very, very much, it is very hard to say Good-Bye, So I’ll just close in saying “Till we meet again Mom’s & Daddy” 

Les is preceded in death by his Parents: Walter & Paula Thielman, his Brother: Loren Thielman, his Grandparents: Henry & Minnie Thielman,  his Wife: Dollie Joanne Thielman, his second Wife: Carol Frances Thielman, his Step-sons: Kent Broertjes and Scott Broerjtes

Other family members resting in the mausoleum are: 

 

Wife: Dollie Joanne (Johnson) Thielman 
2nd Wife: Carol Frances Koehn/Broerjtes Thielman 
(a small portion of Carol’s ashes are entombed with Les
Father & Mother : Walter L. Thielman & Paula  M. (Kuhlman) Thielman
Brother:    Loren Walter Thielman
Grandparents: Henry F. Thielman & Minnie (Bielfeldt) Thielman

Other, more distant family include: Bahlman, Batterman, Bergmeier, Beseke, Bielfeldt, Bohl, Cloidt, Dunlap, Engleking,  Fenske, Fick, Fiene, Freerking, Frobose, Graham, Guritz, Hack, Hager, Haltenhof , Heine, Heldt, Hildeman, Hinze, Hoffman, Hoppensteadt, Horn, Hunte, Kaczynski, Kappe, Kirchhoff,  Klocksieben, Koch, Langreder, Leder, Maass, Matthias, Mc Carty, Meyer, Monk, Niedert, Ohlendorf, Pansa, Peters, Pralle, Riley, Ristenpart, Rohe, Rust, Saller, Selk, Struve, Vagt, Von Engeln, Wegert, Wehmhoefer, Wiechen, Westphal, Wilkening,

(Editor’s note): If you have not guessed, this is my father. This man set me on my path to save and restore the Beecher Mausoleum 26 years ago. I didn’t think it was possible, but Dad gave me just enough time. This year 2020  I hope to complete the last of the restoration that I am capable of. I’m praying there is another out there to pick-up the project and see it into the next century. With a little care the Mausoleum is capable of standing for 100’s and 100’s of years into the future and continue to bury family members next to family for many more years.  With Pride and Love I hope to rest next to my parents and my family in the future myself. 

Sandra Lee Thielman 

 

 

 

 

ALBERT L. HUNTE

Albert L Hunte

Age: 44 years, 7 months, 23 days

ALBERT L. HUNTE

DOB: September 18, 1888
on a farm near Beecher, IL USA

DOD: May 11, 1933
Hammond Hospital, Hammond, IN USA

Son of Henry and Minnie (nee Rust) Hunte

Brother to: Carl F. and Herman (Linda Fiene) Hunte

Husband of Vera (nee Matthias), married October 2, 1926, at the parsonage of the Salem Evangelical Church, Chicago, Rev. Joseph A George officiating.


June 27, 1918  – Beecher Herald – MORE BOYS TO GET KAISER

Eight Farmer Boys From Washington Township Are Called

Will Entrain Today From Joliet For Camp Wheeler, Georgia

6-27-1918 More Boys to Get KaiserEight more Washington Township boys have been called to the colors and went over to Joliet, yesterday, to make up a unit of 518 Will County men from class one, which will join Uncle Sam’s great army in the fight for a worldwide democracy. They are: Albert Hartman, Wm. Matthias, George Ostermeyer, Elmer Tatge, Albert Guritz, Louis Beseke, William Riechers and Louis Matthias.

Camp Wheeler Macon

Camp Wheeler, Macon, GA

This morning, the selected men, headed by a couple of bands, paraded the streets of Joliet, and at 10 o’clock they boarded a Chicago & Alton special for Camp Wheeler, Macon, Ga., their destination. It is expected the contingent will reach the cantonment at about 4 o’clock on Saturday morning.

Herman Hunte, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hunte, was called in the Kankakee County call, last week, and left, Monday, with the Grant Park contingent for Kankakee, where they entrained with boys from the company for some southern cantonment, the place we were unable to learn. The Red Cross and citizens of Grant Park gave the boys a grand send off and farewell reception, Saturday evening, at which the Red Cross presented each of the boys with a sweater and complete kit. Herman is the third and last son in this family to be called, Albert and Carl having gone south a couple of weeks ago.


September 7, 1926  – Beecher Herald  – HUNTE-MATTHIAS

Hunte-MatthiesAlbert L. Hunte, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hunte of this village, and Miss Vera Matthias, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Matthias of Chicago, were quietly married at 4 o’clock, Saturday afternoon, Oct. 2, at the parsonage of the Salem Evangelical Church, 6820 Emerald Avenue, Chicago, the Rev. Jos. A George officiating. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Bornhoeft, brother-in-law and sister of the bride, were the witnesses.

The groom is a well known Beecher young man, who was born and reared to manhood here and has a long list of friends. He is a contractor and carpenter and works at his trade at Chicago. “Al” as he is usually called by his friends is a steady young man, whose chief devotion is attending church and lodge meetings. He is an active member of both the Modern Woodman of America and the Masonic lodges.SalemEvangelical church

The bride is an esteemed young lady, and while she is not quite as well known as Mr. Hunte, she has a number of relatives and acquaintances here who will be pleased to learn of her new step in life.

The Beecher Herald joins with the many friends in extending best wishes for their health, happiness and prosperity.

Mr. and Mrs. Hunte will be “at home” after Oct. 16 at 5549 N. Spaulding Ave., Chicago.


May 18, 1933  – Beecher Herald – OBITUARY

ALBERT L. HUNTE

Albert Hunte obit 1The deceased, Albert L Hunte, was born on a farm near Beecher, September 18, 1888. A few weeks later he was baptized in St. John’s Church by Rev. G Koch. Growing up in a fine Christian home, the training he thus received helped to prepare him for thorough religious instruction which culminated in his confirmation by the Rev. D Bierbaum, April 5, 1903. Following his graduation from the Beecher grammar school he continued his education at the university of Valparaiso, Indiana. Having learned carpentry under his father he, after the latter’s retirement from active work, became a contractor in his chosen work, erecting with his men many buildings in and around this locality. Not only did he become well known in this way, but also well liked by all who came in contact with him.

 

During the World War, he laid aside his peaceful occupation and entered the service June 1, 1918, at Montgomery, Alabama.  He was granted an honorable discharge Feb. 11, 1919, at Camp Grant, outside of Rockford, IL.Camp Grant, Rockford 2

(Editor’s notes: In the Montgomery, AL, Anniston Army Depot, the men repaired vehicles and weapons. Camp Grant, outside of Rockford, was  an Army Infantry Base in World War One.)

Returning to his former trade for which he saw better opportunities in Chicago, he made that city his home. It was here that he met, and on October 2, 1926, married his now deeply sorrowing wife, Miss Vera Matthias, Rev. Joseph George of Evangelical Salem’s Church, officiating. This happy union, although childless, resulted in much happiness for both of them. Finding great pleasure and satisfaction in frequently visiting his mother, brothers and friends in Beecher, it was on such a visit, last Saturday, May 6, that he became quite ill. When on Sunday no improvement was felt a call was sent to his friend and chum, Dr. Edmund Hack of Hammond, Indiana, who diagnosing the trouble as appendicitis, suggested an immediate operation. The operation was performed the same day, Sunday, May 7, at 3 p.m. at the Hammond Hospital. Finding his condition more serious that anticipated, no fear of ultimate recovery was entertained until Wednesday, when alarming complications began to sap his strength and resistance. Although everything possible known to medical science was done, and with two nurses and his loving wife his steady attendants, the angel of death silently approached him and closed his eyes in peaceful death, on Thursday last at 9 a.m. at the age of 44 years, 7 months and 23 days.

Albert Hunte obit 2Those who deeply mourn his sudden death are his wife; mother, Mrs. Henry Hunte; his brothers, Carl and Herman; his parents-in-law; two sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; and a large host of other relatives and friends.

(Editor’s note: there was only one sister-in-law, Herman’s wife, Malinda Fiene. Albert’s other brother, Carl, never married)

Funeral services were conducted last Sunday, beginning at 1:30 p.m., at the Mrs. Henry Hunte residence, and continued at St. Luke’s Church at 2 o’clock, where Rev. G Horst spoke consolingly in both the German and English languages to a very large gathering of relatives and friends. The many beautiful floral pieces attested to the high esteem in which the departed was held by all who knew him. He was laid to rest in the Beecher Mausoleum.

The departed, as loving husband, dutiful son and faithful brother, deeply implanted himself in the lives of those who always found him worthy of their love. Upright, honest and loyal toward all he could not help but make friends wherever he went. His genial, kindly nature drew him to children as they were drawn to him. Fully realizing the need and worth and blessings of religion, he remained true and loyal to his Master and Savior to the end. As a former member of St. Luke’s Church, severing his connection only as he definitely settled in Chicago, he never failed to worship with home folks whenever visiting here over the week-end. Having shared with us the blessed faith and hope of salvation in Christ Jesus, the comfort may well be ours that all is forever well with “Al.”

free mason.50Although not mentioned in Albert’s obituary, the symbol on his headstone indicates he was a member of the fraternal organization of Freemasons.


Albert’s family members also resting in the mausoleum are:

Father & Mother: Henry Hunte & Minnie (Rust) Hunte
Brother: Carl F.W. Hunte
Uncle & Aunt: Henry F. Rust & Emma (Meyer) Rust
In-laws of Uncle (Emma Meyer Rust’s parents) Diedrich Meyer & Wilhelmina (Bock) Meyer
In-laws of his brother Herman; Malinda (Fiene) Hunte’s parents: Heinrich Fiene & Emma (Ristenpart) Fiene
Aunt & Uncle of brother Herman’s wife, Malinda (Fiene) Hunte: Fredricke Minna (Ristenpart) Kappe & George Kappe

Other, more distant family include: Bahlman, Batterman, Bergmeier, Beseke, Bielfeldt, Bohl, Cloidt, Dunlap, Engleking,  Fenske, Fick, Freerking, Frobose, Graham, Guritz, Hack, Hager, Haltenhof , Heine, Heldt, Hildeman, Hinze, Hoffman, Hoppensteadt, Horn, Hunte, Kaczynski, Kilborn,  Kirchhoff,  Klocksieben, Koch, Langreder, Leder, Maass, Matthias, Mc Carty, Meyer, Monk, Niedert, Ohlendorf, Pansa, Peters, Pralle, Riley, Rohe, Saller, Selk, Struve, Thielman, Vagt, Von Engeln, Wegert, Wehmhoefer, Wiechen, Westphal, Wilkening,

 

HEINRICH “HY” BOHL SR.

HEINRICH BOHL SR.

Age: 83 years, 7 months

HEINRICH “HY” BOHL, SR.
“Frederich Heinrich Theodore Bohl”

DOB: April 18, 1838
Rosenhagen, Germany

DOD: November 18, 1921
Beecher, Will County, IL, USA

Son of Herman Helmuth and Maria (nee Berthling) Bohl

Brother to: Anna R. (Wilhelm Stadt), Wilhelmina and Louise Bohl

Husband to Wilhelmina “Minna” Schultz Bohl, married 1866-1867 in Lombard, IL

Father to: Johann William Bohl, Friedericka “Reka” (Henry Kurth Sr.), Henry F. (Sophie M. Blievernicht), William Bohl and John C.(Louise M. Blievernitcht) Bohl


 

Sept. 21, 1861 enlisted 9th Illinois Cavalry, Company F, Private, Serviced 1861-1865, age at entry 23 years. Served 3 years


BEECHER HERALD 11-24-1921

HEINRICH BOHL

Heinrich Bohl ObitThe death of Frederich Heinrich Theodore Bohl occurred last Friday, Nov. 18, of dropsy, aged 83 years and 7 months.

Deceased was born April 18, 1838, at Rosenhagen, Mechlenburg, Schwerin, Germany. In August 1857, he came with his parents and two other children to America and settled at Lombard, near Chicago.

Later the family moved to the homestead in Washington Township, on which he has resided for a number of years and where he died. 1909 County Land Ownership Map, Hy Bohl

 

He was the last of four children of Herman and Maria Bohl. His wife, Wilhelmina “Minna” Schultz Bohl died August 26, 1883, age 37 years, and he has been a widower ever since – 38 years. Eight children were born to this union, five of whom are dead. Deceased has been in ill health for a number of years and had been confined to bed with dropsy the past five weeks.

Two sons, Henry and John, one daughter, Mrs. Reka Kurth, one son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, and fifteen grandchildren survive him.

The funeral was held Tuesday, at 12 o’clock p.m. from the home, with services at St. John’s Evangelical Church, Rev. C. Seidenberg officiating. Burial was in the Beecher Mausoleum.


Heinrich “Hy’s” family members also resting in the mausoleum are:
Son & Daughter-in-law: Henry H. Bohl & Sophie M. Blievernicht Bohl

Heinrich “Hy” also has more distant relatives in the mausoleum; the connections are:
Heinrich “Hy’s” sister: Anna R. Bohl married Wilhelm Stadt
Wilhelm Stadt’s sister was: Friederike Lisette (Stadt) who married Ernest Heldt
Ernest Heldt & Friederike Lisette (Stadt) Heldt son and daughter-in-law also in the mausoleum are: Fred E. Heldt & Ida (Peters) Heldt

The Peters family in the mausoleum are also part of Ida Peters’ family, but the connections get a little confusing. If you’re interested in more details, please contact Sandra.