EUNICE RUTH WALLEM

1925-2019

Eunice Ruth Wallem, née Thorson, 94, of Waynesville, North Carolina, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on December 20, 2019, after a brief battle with cancer.

Eunice was born on March 14, 1925, to Edward and Elizabeth (Bachmann) Thorson of St. Paul, MN. She was the youngest of three children. After graduating from Humboldt High School in 1943, Eunice ranked number one in regional Civil Service exams and became the first female employee of the St. Paul Fire Department, where she served for six years with high distinction as secretary in the Fire Prevention Department.

Eunice married Truman Wallem in 1949 and moved near Ransom, Illinois, where she joined him in managing the work of a large farm. Together they had three children: Cynthia (Cindy), Marjorie (Maggie) and Daniel (Dan). After retiring in 1985, they moved to Streator where they enjoyed over twenty happy years volunteering in their church and community. Following Truman's death in 2007, Eunice relocated to Wheaton, IL, where she lived until her move to Waynesville, NC, in 2018.

Eunice was an active member of churches wherever she lived, including First Baptist of Streator, First Baptist of Wheaton, and Allens Creek Baptist of Waynesville. She held many positions of service including church clerk, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and missions committee member. Eunice was a faithful and generous giver, quietly meeting needs and funding projects known to few but done out of her commitment to investing in work that would last for eternity. She served as Chairwoman of the Streator Christian Women's Club for three years, followed by nine years as Area Representative.

Throughout her life, Eunice had an extraordinary impact on those around her. Many said they wished they'd had her as a mother. She had a dry wit, keen intelligence, an accepting spirit, and a deep interest in others. Eunice was quick to offer hospitality in her home, preparing meals for many guests until shortly before her death. She was known for having the heart of a servant in countless ways.

Eunice will be deeply missed as the matriarch of her family who adored her. She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Cynthia (Paul) Harris of Summerville, SC, Marjorie (Michael) Rowe of Waynesville, NC, and Daniel (Jody) Wallem of Pleasanton, CA; seven grandchildren: Katrina (Jason) Whitehead, Philip (Michelle) Harris, Adam (Elizabeth) Rowe, Amber (Ben) Susek, Jordan Rowe, Greg (Sarah) Wallem, and Anne (Timmy) Burger; and eight great-grandchildren: Elijah Whitehead, Zachary Whitehead, Elizabeth (Libby) Susek, Finn Harris, Everett Susek, Truman Rowe, Elin Rowe, and Rosemary Susek. Eunice was known to her great-grandchildren as "Super Grandma."

In lieu of flowers, it was Eunice's wish to have any memorial gifts sent to Wheaton College, 501 College Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187, to provide for the Christian education of future students.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at Highpoint Church (formerly First Baptist), 1310 North Main Street, Wheaton, IL,  preceded by visitation at 10:00 am. Friends are also invited to gather for an informal service at New Beginnings Baptist, 204 South Monroe, Streator, IL, at 1:00 pm Sunday, January 5, followed by interment at Hillcrest Cemetery. A memorial service at Allens Creek Baptist in Waynesville, NC, will be announced at a future date.