Thelma E. Blizek

Thelma Elizabeth Blizek, 93, of Petersburg, Illinois, passed away on March 14, 2023, at The Villas of Holly Brook in Springfield, IL, surrounded by friends and family. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 24th , 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, with a Memorial Service to be held on Saturday, March 25th at 11:00 AM at the St. Paul's Evangelical Free Church in Petersburg, IL. Thelma was born on November 29, 1929, to Herman and Mary (Power) Juergens in Petersburg. She was preceded in death by her parents and her three brothers – Fred (1996), Perry (2008), and Dale Richard “Dick” (2016), all of Petersburg. She graduated from Petersburg Harris High School in 1948, and married Stuart L. Hofing on June 9, 1948. They have three children – Steve (Sherry) Hofing of Champaign, Sue (Randy) Smith of Pleasant Plains, and Barbara (Larry) Rogers of Evansville, Indiana. There are six grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Stuart passed away August 4, 1982. Thelma married James R. Blizek on November 11, 1988, and expanded her family to include three step-children – Susan Lee (Eugene) Gronewald of Petersburg, Robert James (Susan) Blizek of Maryland, and Marcia Ann (Mike) Shields of Dawson, IL; There are six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild. She was preceded in passing by James on April 20, 2021, and one grandchild. Thelma worked at several places throughout her life, including West Foods, Lee International Harvester, Porta School District, and Jim Marre Motors, all in Petersburg. This was in addition to her supporting role on the farm for 34 years. She operated Hofing Farms in partnership with her son Steve for an additional ten years until 1992. She was a lifelong member of Menard County Homemakers, an active contributor to the planning and execution of the Porta 100-year reunion, and a member of First Christian Church. Thelma loved to travel, and enjoyed numerous trips following her retirement. She loved her family both close and extended, and always looked forward to visits in either direction. She impacted many lives in her more than ten decades on earth. She will be sorely missed by family and friends she left behind, and fondly welcomed home by those who went before her. Memorials can be made to the Menard County Cemetery Association or the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, IL is assisting the family with arrangements.

Thelma E. Blizek

November 29, 1929 - March 14, 2023

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