Dolores J. Thomas

Dolores J. Thomas (Weinzierl), 75, of Gurnee, Illinois, passed away peacefully with her loving family on November 7, 2022. Dolores is survived by her children Steve Thomas and Jennfer Lau, daughter-in-law Sherri Thomas, beloved grandchildren Ethan, Noah, Kyla, and Nicki, and granddogs Cooper, Mocha, Kona, and Apollo. Proud sister to Al (Rose) Weinzierl, Ruth Ryza, and sisters-in-law Dorothy Weinzierl and Betty Weinzierl as well as a proud Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Dolly is predeceased by her parents George and Genevieve, brothers Robert Weinzierl, George Weinzierl, Tom Weinzierl, and brother-in-law Rich Ryza.

Dolly graduated from St. Patrick Academy in Des Plaines before beginning and supporting her family. She had many fond memories of her time in Des Plaines and was active in the community including being the 42nd President of the Lady of Elks Club. She was also the successful owner of Mocha Real, coffee shop, in Park Ridge where many locals came daily. After her children had grown she went on to work for Gurnee School District 56 in the district office where she worked for over ten years. After retiring, she was very active at the Warren Township Senior Center, even up to her last weeks with us. She regularly volunteered at the St. Anastasia Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry in Waukegan for many years as she focused on providing dignity and support to those who were struggling to meet day to day needs.

Her children and grandchildren were so important to her. She would regularly attend youth baseball games, orchestra concerts, cheerleading and school events as a proud grandparent. She was a great decorator, shifting themes to match the seasons, and her house was always meticulously arranged. She had a great love of dancing, traveling, cooking and baking, enjoying restaurants, and watching movies whether they were new, classic, or seasonal. She enjoyed sitting on her deck with friends in the summer. And she really enjoyed the times the whole family got together for pizza and drinks.

Visitation will be held at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner St., Des Plaines, IL, on Friday, November 18, 2022 from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Memorial donations in Dolores’s name may be made to the Northern Illinois Food Bank https://solvehungertoday.org/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OehlerFuneralHome.com for the Thomas family.