Henry R. "Harry" Thoele, 89, of Teutopolis died at 10:35 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, 2012, at his home.

Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Teutopolis. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery with military graveside rites. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Jan. 9, at the church with a 6:30 p.m. parish prayer service and a 7:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus rosary service. Bauer Funeral Home, Teutopolis, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice. Online condolences may be left at www.bauerfh.com.

Harry was born April 16, 1922, in Teutopolis, the son of Henry and Carrie (Vahling) Thoele. He married Lorene M. Mundt on Oct. 14, 1947, and she survives.

Harry was employed at Weber Implement, Teutopolis, for 18 years, and later worked as a salesman for J.M. Schultz, also for 18 years. He then worked part-time for the A.S.C. office before retiring. Harry was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Teutopolis Knights of Columbus Council 2874 and Teutopolis American Legion Post 924. He also served as an assessor for St. Francis Township for many years. He served with the U.S. Army in the Pacific during World War II.

Harry most loved spending time with his family and grandchildren, as well as his dog, Scrappy, and his cat, Orangie. He was an avid outdoorsman, often going hunting and fishing, and working in his garden. Playing cards and dancing with his wife were also some of Harry's favorite pastimes.

He also enjoyed watching Illini basketball games and sewing and patching jeans. Harry was well-known for having nicknames for his nieces and nephews, as well as other residents of Teutopolis. He delivered Meals on Wheels with his wife for 20 years. Another of Harry's passions was to go for long drives in the country to go check on local crops. Harry was a wonderful and devoted husband, father, grandpa, father-in-law and uncle.

He is survived by his wife, Lorene of Teutopolis; sons, Keith "Harry" and Gene (friend, Melly Hofer), both of Teutopolis; daughters, Margaret (Stephen) Longsworth of Teutopolis and Kay (Dan) Goldstein of Effingham; grandchildren, Jeremy Thoele-Purcell, Stephanie (fiance, Tom Henson) Longsworth, Maria (fiance, Luke Niebrugge) Longsworth, Adam (wife, Kelsey) Goldstein, Lucas Goldstein and Jessica Goldstein; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Thoele of Teutopolis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Joshua; seven brothers; and one sister.