Gerry Helen (Fackler) Thoman, 83, of Effingham, passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in her home surrounded by family.
Per Gerry’s wishes, there will not be any formal visitations or services. She asked to have a simple, private graveside service with burial in the church cemetery at St. Paul (Blue Point) Lutheran – Missouri Synod Church, 14026 North 500th Street, Altamont. Graveside services will be officiated by Rev. Mike Burdick with the assistance of longtime family pastor, Rev. David Speers. Arrangements are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.
The family requests no flowers or gifts. Memorials may be made directly to the Holy Trinity Lutheran High School or Effingham County Animal Control.
Gerry Helen (Fackler) Thoman was born September 26, 1943, in Decatur, IL, to Oliver Ken “O.K.” and Helen (Gale) Fackler. She married Fredrick David “Fred” Thoman on May 23, 1970. He preceded her in death, March 6, 2015.
Gerry loved working and her career took her to live, for many years, in the Dallas, Texas area from growing up Illinois. She developed the love for all things Texas including her favorite Blue Bonnets and the Dallas Cowboys. She and Fred along with daughter, Audrey Ann Thoman, later moved back to Illinois from Texas when son Scott Smith took a firefighter position with the City of Decatur.
Family and togetherness were very important to Gerry. She loved being close to her family and lifelong best friends Janice, Judy, Marlene, Carol, Joyce and Jeanne.
She was a dedicated member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran faith. Most recently becoming a member at St. John Lutheran Church, Effingham, IL and a previous long-time member at St. Paul Blue Point Lutheran Church, Altamont, IL.
She was extremely proud of her children and their families. However, she was most proud of her grandsons, John Spieth, Ellington, MO; Derek Smith, Decatur, IL; and granddaughter, Myah Stuemke (Brett), Altamont, IL.
Her above all absolute greatest joy was of her great-grandsons, Blake and Evan Stuemke, Altamont, IL and great-granddaughter, Tristen Spieth, Kansas City, MO.
She loved attending graduations, church, school and sporting events for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She looked forward every year to Grandparent’s Day. She was even a passenger in a race car driven by her grandson Derek on her 75th birthday! She was always up for an adventure. She just loved being in their lives and will be greatly missed.
Gerry is survived by her daughters, Audrey Thoman of Effingham, IL and Denise (Rick) Szafranski of Ellington, Mo.; son, Scott (Lisa) Smith of Decatur, IL; sister-in-law, Farida Wack and family of Arroyo Grande, Ca.
Along with her husband Fred, Gerry was preceded in death by her parents and siblings.
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