Gretchen Thiele Lane

Elmhurst, IL - On Sunday, October 18, 2020, Gretchen Thiele Lane passed away at the age of 90. Born on December 11, 1929 to Robert Edward and Mildred Zuttermeister Thiele of Glen Ellyn, IL., Gretchen moved to Cincinnati as a child. She was the 1947 valedictorian of Withrow High School and obtained a BS in Education from the University of Cincinnati in 1951. During this time, she developed a lifelong passion for learning and knowledge, with a particular devotion to the arts and choir. She met her husband Carra Lane through his brother Burt, who was directing a play. Later she imparted her love for education by teaching in Iowa and Illinois public schools and as a mother by guiding her children to regular library visits and setting high academic standards. Her lessons took hold as her son and daughters all became successful well-read professionals. She brought her love of music to her church by playing her flute and directing choirs for children and adults. Gretchen’s intellectual curiosity and love of life was always a part of conversation and social interaction. She was outspoken; she’d seek your opinion and if you didn’t have one would create it for you. While she was bold with her opinions and speaking her mind, she did so with humor. Gretchen was also an avid Trivia enthusiast and loved Reading, Knitting and Needlepoint. Gretchen will be sorely missed by her extended family and friends. She is survived by her daughters Bridget Lane (Tom Legge), Penny (John) Hughes, and Wende Dallain; grandsons: Matt (Lauren) Hughes, Mike Hughes, Jacob (Angela) Hughes, Chris Legge, Brian Legge, Patrick (Veronica) Hunter, and Andy Legge; great grandchildren: JR Hughes, Carolyn Hughes, Leah Hughes, Aubree Genteman, Macklyn Hughes, and Hensley Hughes and many nieces and nephews. Gretchen was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings Robert Thiele, Richard Thiele and Nancy Glass; and her son Randy Lane. Donations in Gretchen’s memory can be made to Beyond Hunger, formerly Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry , Checks are accepted at Beyond Hunger, 848 Lake St., Oak Park, IL 60301. Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, Illinois.